Marie Marek Fabrizio, of Lexington, Virginia, died Thursday, June 5, 2008 in Lexington.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Lillie McGovren Marek and John P. Marek.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert Joseph Fabrizio Sr.; a daughter, Joan F. Berlin and husband, Bruce, of Virginia Beach, VA; a son, Robert Joseph Fabrizio Jr. and wife, Karen, of Lexington; three grandchildren: Nicole M. Berlin, Clark J. Berlin and Robert D. Fabrizio.
Marie was graduated from Mundelein College, which is now part of Loyola University of Chicago.
She was commissioned an Ensign in the Supply Corps of the WAVES in 1943 and did duty at the New York Naval Shipyard in the lend-lease department; was an accounting instructor at the Bayonne, N.J. Suppl Corps Training School; was a Disbursing Officer at the United State Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, NC and then served at the Supply Center, Norfolk, Va.
Marie was married at Camp Lejeune on April 12, 1952 to Robert J. Fabrizio and resigned from the United States Navy Supply Corps in 1954.
Marie and Bob lived in Baltimore, Maryland, Dover, DE and Emmaus, PA. and then moved to Buena Vista, Va. in 1963. In 1965 they bought the Buena Vista Ford/Mercury dealership, which they operated jointly until their retirement in 1996.
Marie was very active in community and social organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the American Cancer Society in Buena Vista and Lexington.
Among others, Marie served on the Board of Directors of the Stonewall Jackson Hospital for many years.
She was a member of the small group of women who founded the Rockbridge Area Hospice. She was a long time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lexington and served on the first Parish Council and the Finance Committee for many years.
A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2008. Inurnment will be at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium, Annapolis, MD.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 221 W. Nelson St., Lexington, VA. 24450.
Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.
