- Date Of Birth: August 31, 1948
- Date Of Death: January 3, 2021
- State: New Jersey
Marie (Avgerakis) McNeany passed on January 3rd, at the age of 72, from a short battle with pancreatic
cancer. Marie’s distinct laugh and megawatt smile could instantly fill a room and make everyone around
her happy. She had a wonderful sense of humor and never took herself too seriously.
Marie was born and raised in Highland Park, New Jersey to Jim and Mary (Pappas) Avgerakis. As a
second generation Greek American, Marie grew up surrounded by family in her mother’s hometown of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Edison, New Jersey where her father was raised. She is survived by her
brother, Tom Avgerakis, his wife Lori, niece Ariana, and nephew Jimmy of Newberg, Oregon and many
loving cousins. Marie spent much of her life in East Brunswick, New Jersey, where she raised her family
and Wilsonville Oregon, where she lived for 23 years before relocating to Clayton, New Jersey.
Marie was a hardworking, loyal, and dedicated person who worked her entire life as an administrative
assistant at Johnson and Johnson, Carter Wallace, and Rose City Contracting (Oregon) where she retired
seven years ago.
Marie was always positive, happy, and incredibly friendly. She formed friendships wherever she lived and
worked. Even though she only lived in Clayton a short time, Marie made close connections and
friendships with her neighbors. Marie leaves behind a group of close friends that she loved to play
Bingo, Bunko, and video poker with, sew, go to concerts, and laugh with. Marie was a trusted friend who
was known as a great listener and a non judgemental confidant.
Marie loved to sew and sold many of her creations at craft markets and online. She also loved music and
was known to sing along to every song she heard on the radio, even if she didn’t know all the words.
Marie’s greatest joy was being a mother, which she did with unconditional love and support. She is
survived by her daughter Michelle (McNeany) Martineau, son-in-law Jeff Martineau of Haverhill,
Massachusetts and son Brian McNeany, daughter-in-law Kristin (Leavey) McNeany of Monroeville, New
Jersey.
The thing that brought her the most happiness was being Yiayia to Charlotte, Juliet, and Brian Jr. Marie
was an amazing grandmother who spent her time playing on the floor and doing whatever her
grandchildren asked of her.
Marie was a humble soul who lived a simple life filled with laughter and love. As her daughter, I learned a
few key life lessons: love unconditionally and without judgement, nothing in life is free, and never trust a
blinker.
Social distancing guidelines apply and a face mask is mandatory to enter the church. There is a maximum of 75 people allowed in the church at any one time. You must absolutely register at the link below to be allowed to enter the church. On behalf of St. Thomas we would like to thank you for your cooperation in advance navigating through this current situation.
Cancer Society.
“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”
