Marilyn Broker Wenzel's Obituary
Marilyn Broker Wenzel passed away on March 5th, 2024, one day shy of her 95th birthday. Born in New Orleans on March 6th, 1929 to the late Theodore and Irma Graeber Broker. She was preceded in death by sisters Elaine (James) Gaffney and Adele (AI) Quirin, nephew James Gaffney and lifelong friend Mary Catherine Regan. She is the beloved aunt of Gary (Jacqueline Wollman) Gaffney, Linda Gaffney, Sharon (Ray) Carter, Michael (Christine) Gaffney and James (Mary Ann) Quirin, along with numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.
At age 40, after working for eye Doctor George Hardin and Dr. James McComiskey, she returned to school at LSU School of Nursing. She holds an MSN degree from the University of Mississippi in Jackson and MED from Tulane University. She was a faculty member at LSU School of Nursing in the Multimedia Center, teaching medical and surgical skills. She has been someone her students aspired to become.
Since her retirement in 1990 from LSU, Marilyn served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West (HFHSTW). In her tenure at HFHSTW, she served as President, VP and chaired numerous committees including real estate acquisition and construction. She also acted, for many years, as Volunteer Executive Director. After Katrina, leading the Development Committee, 183 new Habitat houses were completed. With BellSouth Telephone Company Pioneers and Pioneer Mary Catherine Regan, another long time Habitat Board member and volunteer, Marilyn and Regan were responsible for the growth of the Habitat Home Store.
Marilyn's passion for the poor and hard work were rewarded. In 2006 Habitat for Humanity International recognized her with the Volunteer of the Year Award through its' annual “Pioneers in Excellence” award program. In August of 2011, Marilyn was awarded the Spirit of Service Legacy Award by Habitat Louisiana, the state support organization.
Marilyn was a world traveler, an accomplished water skier, real estate agent and a real estate investor. Above all she loved dancing of any kind. She even taught dancing at the YMCA in her younger years. She brought joy to all around her, bringing many into group activities who would ordinarily not participate in such activities. She was not afraid of a challenge as was witnessed by the construction of her beloved Riverview house demonstrated, a place enjoyed by hundreds of friends and family.
Marilyn was a competent, strong willed, faithful and generous woman. These traits were instilled in her by her Aunt Melanie Graeber and grandmother, Mary Zimmer Graeber. She lived her life to the fullest and is now experiencing her eternal reward at home with God.
The family wishes to give extra thanks to Victoria Edwards and Leona Bourgeois for their love and kindness to Marilyn and to the entire staff of Christwood retirement community, especially during these last months of her life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The Funeral Mass will follow at St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, Saint Benedict, LA 70457 at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow Mass at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Christwood Retirement Community Atrium, 100 Christwood Boulevard, Covington, LA on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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