July 23, 1921 – December 9, 2024
Our mother, Marie Weiss, passed away reluctantly, but peacefully on December 9th at the IOOF Home. Always the Mom, she was hesitant to leave her family that now numbers 91. Her unfinished song is now complete. We could write volumes about the accomplishments in her life. Mom lived to be 103 years old. She didn’t share her secret to longevity, but we saw it. She was purposeful everyday of her life. Mom was the firstborn of Henry and Anna DeWeerdt and was born on a farm in Hancock County on July 23, 1921, the oldest of 8 daughters.
As her children, we learned many life lessons from our Mom. To name a few: Love your siblings and take care of each other especially after I am gone. Use your time wisely. If you are going to do something, do it right and give it your all. Maintain a spotless home, including the corners and crevices. Spend money wisely. Be a good and faithful servant to your faith. And lastly, graciously accept the will of God when it is time to die. Mom was a model of all that she taught.
Marie married our Dad, Clem Weiss, in 1939. Together, they built a beautiful family leaving a legacy of love, hard work, faith, and reverence. Mom was heartbroken when Dad died in 2006, but stoically and actively carried on all family traditions knowing somehow Dad was still with us. We can only imagine the reunion the two of them are having at this moment.
She has told each of us that she always wanted to be a Mom from the time she was a little girl. She got her wish…. ten times! Mom even claims some children (our friends) who are not her own, but also refer to her as Mom. Losing our Mom is all the proof that we need that we live in an imperfect world.
We are sad, but oh, so grateful to have had her as our Mom. We also want to add that the spouses named here loved her as much as we do. We are: Marlene (Paul) Weber, Linda (Michael) Kennedy, David (Ann), Connie Barry, Thomas (Ann), Susan (Pat) Lang, Steve (Patti), and Jeffrey (Tangela). Other survivors include 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.
Also mourning her loss are sisters: Betty Anderson, Ida Floy, Joanne (Burry) Burress, Louise Zrostlik, and brother-in-law Frank Weiss and sister-in-law Catherine Faulken.
Preceding Mom in death were Dad, sons Mike and Daniel, and sisters Josephine Barker, Anna Lou Wille, and Ramona Lau.
Join us to celebrate Mom’s life and share our gratitude at a visitation on Thursday, December 12, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City. We will pray the Rosary at 4:45 followed by open visitation 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A Scriptural Wake service will begin at 6:30.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Friday, December 13, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Epiphany Parish, 300 5th St. SE., Mason City with Rev. David O’Connor as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.
Your thoughtful generosity is a cherished tribute to her legacy, we kindly ask memorials be directed to Newman Catholic Schools or Epiphany Parish in her honor.
colonialchapels.com
So sad to read about this amazing woman leaving us after 103 years. Marie will be missed by many too numerous to mention. My sincere sympathy to her extended family and all those who knew this precious lady. We are all a bit richer for knowing Marie.