Our beloved mother, Marion Staebler, 80, a 50-year resident of Massapequa, New York was called to heaven after undergoing treatments for cancer. Marion was born on February 5, 1943 in the Bronx, New York to Anna and Peter Kryklywy who were of Ukrainian descent. Our mom was very proud to be Ukrainian and was an active member of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Fresh Meadows, Queens, a church which her parents were founding members. Marion is preceded in death by her husband, Christian who was a man with unbelievable talents even building a color television with tubes when everyone else was watching black and white, testing and sending the Apollo Lunar Module to the moon and perfecting the radar on the F-14 Tomcat. Marion is also preceded in death by her parents Anna and Peter Kryklywy and aunt and uncle Benny and Rose Woytanowsky. Marion is survived by her two daughters, Laura and Christina. In addition, she was very fond of her two son-in-law’s Ron and Joe. Ron has had his own health issues and believes he is still on Earth because of mom’s prayers and deep sense of caring. Joe and Christina opened up their home to mom and supported her while she was undergoing treatments. But, the two she held the deepest love for were Christian and Kaitlyn, her two grandchildren. She had an opportunity to live in New Jersey for the last year of her life with Kaitlyn and Christian and they filled her life with joy and love. Some of the unforgettable memories included playing games, feeding the fish, working on homework and sitting by the pond. She even took on a new name, Pookie which made the kids laugh. In addition, other family members include Kathy, her sister-in-law, who treated her just like a sister and her children Robert, Christian and Elizabeth who always included our mother. She also had a special place in her heart for her god-child, Michelle.

Marion worked as Financial Aid Counselor at SUNY Farmingdale for over 25 years. Her extended family at Farmingdale included some of her closest friends, whom she shared many fond memories. In addition, her closest friends said she was like family and would do anything for her. We would like to acknowledge Mike and Rosemary, Fern, Olesia, Aunt Connie, Mrs. Reid, Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Chimiak who were moms’ friends forever.

Marion could recite every episode of Murder She Wrote and Colombo. She loved to watch game shows, work on her puzzle books, sit by the pond and count the fish and frogs and read in her spare time. As a family, the highlight of the year was going to Montauk where we loved visiting Gosman’s Dock, the fudge shop and staying at the Royal Atlantic. Her selfless acts of kindness, selection of beautiful cards, impeccable handwriting and overall caring for others will never be forgotten.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Marion Staebler, please visit our Tribute Store.