Marienne Alice Wolke

Marienne Alice Wolke b. September 21,1965 – d. August 17th, 2019 Marienne was born at home, in a house on Old Stage Road, Spotswood, NJ. Delivered by the local mailman (no pun!), who was an EMT volunteer. Marienne had thick curly black hair, deep brown eyes, little pug nose, and a tiny round, white face. She was the last of six for Veronica and Herbert. Marienne was diagnosed at the age of four with Type 1 diabetes. Her childhood was normal, except for the daily insulin shots, sugar spikes and the occasional seizure. Oh, and a deep dislike of Halloween. She adored all her older siblings and followed them everywhere, despite their teasing and being dismissive of her. Her favorite was her older brother Martin. Of course, he took her to her first rock N’ roll concert, the Grateful Dead! And she became a Dead head; traveling near & far for their shows. While still in her early teens, her parents divorced and she went to live with her mother, Roni. This forged an unbreakable bond between them. Marienne graduated Highland Park High School and went on to graduate from Middlesex County Community College, NJ, with a degree in computers and information. She also attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, enhancing her computer knowledge with configuration management. She would work in this field her entire adult life. While at Rutgers, Mari joined Gamma Sigma, a joint fraternity/ sorority. She once said, “I wouldn’t join a fraternity if it didn’t allow girls!”. Her Yogi Berra-ism. She made friends there that would remain close for her lifetime. In 1990, Marienne suffered a heart attack at age 25. Everyone who knew her then thought we would lose her. But she beat the odds, and went on too much, much more love in her life. At this time, she met her soul mate, Richard Gallagher. Not evident immediately, it wasn’t long before they both realized they were meant to be together. That was 1991. They married in 2005, a celebration moment for their parents, family and friends. Another unbreakable, lifetime bond for Marienne. Among the many interests Mari and Rick shared, their love of books, music, travel and New Mexico were the greatest. Their travels took them across the USA, and to Paris, France. She liked to tell people that she spent her honeymoon in Purgatory (Colorado)! That is a hint of her humor. And she was adept at sarcasm, a tool she used selectively, and most people never knew. Mari and Rick achieved their ‘home’ dream before retirement and moved to NM in 2016. In 2015, after four years of agonizing work and waiting, and with the support of her love, Rick, she underwent a successful pancreas transplant. Diabetic free, her joy was palpable. Her new broad smiles were for everyone! Accepting the challenges, and the odds, she beat them once again. Marienne was an avid collector. Her interests were many and varied. She had an artist’s eye and a generous heart. Sharing her knowledge of people and places. Her curiosity and interest were insatiable. She was also a gracious and enthusiastic hostess who enjoyed entertaining, and a good barbecue. She belonged to the East Brunswick, NJ Garden Club for many years, holding offices, winning accolades at shows, and making friends for life. How do you describe a shooting star and do it justice? Everything just sounds so inadequate and wanting. It’s because we don’t have the words right now and that’s ok because with all the out pouring of love and support from everyone, one thing is very clear- Marienne shared her joy and light with many. Marienne has gone to join her brother, Martin, and parents, Roni and Herb. Her ancestors will enjoy her company once again. And she will watch over and protect us. All we must do is remember. Marienne’s story is too big for just one person to try and retell, it’s a story we all shared in. So we’re asking you to be our words and you tell her story. No condolences, no sadness please, we have so much of that right now. We ask that you share your stories of her joy, happiness, humor, love and yes, tenacity stubbornness, and all the nuances that made Marienne such a shining bright light in our lives. You are our words – tell her story. Make it epic! Marienne is survived by husband, Rick Gallagher, brothers Mike and Thom, sister Laura, nephew Chris, three nieces Lisa, Sonja and Anna, and two great nieces Emily and Maxine. She loved all her extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws. Especially dear to her are her friends, near and far, young and old. In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends honor Marienne by visiting this link and making a donation : https://www.gofundme.com/f/marienne-wolke-celebration-of-life?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=92f89f6284b34bad85298014e279476b