Marie F. Sapienza

Marie Sapienza of Upper Darby, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 surrounded by family and friends at the young age of 92. She was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Ferraro (nee Christiano)

Originally from St. Monica’s Parish in South Philadelphia (she’s a Hallahan Girl through and through) Marie enjoyed her childhood summers in Wildwood with family where you might have caught her singing at the corner watering hole on a Friday night.  She loved bowling in leagues, as well as spending her time with friends at “Club” and “Sorority”.  When moving to Upper Darby the family became members of St. Laurence Parish where Marie became a leader on many fronts.  She ran the school kitchen, the parish Christmas Bazar, Den Mother for Troop 251, President of Bonner’s Mothers Club.  She was on the social committee for the church as well as helped organize community drivers for the HOPE program.  For many years Marie worked as a Travel Agent with Gilmartin Travel.   She and Dad loved traveling the world together.  She was strongly involved with the Laurentian's, the seniors group for the church as well.  Marie was deeply devoted to her faith and has made an indelible mark on all who knew her in the parish.

An avid Phillies and Eagles fan, you would often hear her shouting at the TV telling the coaches and managers what play they should have used.  “Why did they take him out of the game?!” was a regular grievance of hers.  Marie also enjoyed her time at the Casinos (Tropicana and PARX were her favorites), betting and watching the horse races (Joel Rosario was her favorite Jockey), playing her scratch offs and doing her crossword puzzles (but the easy ones).

Marie joins her husband Russell Sr. in heaven and is survived by their children:  Russell Jr.(Laura), David Sr. (Sherry), Anita (John), Christopher, Robert (Erich).

Their grandchildren: Alexandra (Matt), Bernadette (Dillon), David Jr. (Dana), Christie Lynn, Vincent, Joseph (Beth), Johnny Jr. (Chaiy), Jennifer and Matthew.

Their great-grandchildren: Jacob, Leo, Rocco, Antonio, Jack, Ellie, Kiera, Kasey, Kiley.  Her brother Frank, in-laws Maria Elena (Ray), Loretta and her closest friend Marie along with so many cousins, nephews and nieces that have surrounded her with decades of love.

Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 12 at St. Laurence Catholic Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082.  Visitation begin at 9:30am with Funeral Mass immediately following at 11:30am.  

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to St. Laurence Church.