Marie Mayer
Marie Frankfurter
Marie Frankfurter, 91, daughter of Paul and Leotina (Stasch) Mayer of the former Czechoslovakia , beloved wife of Paul W. Frankfurter Jr., of Johnson, Vt., who preceded her in death in 1984, passed away early Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at Copley Hospital in Vermont.
She was born in Kniesen, Slovakia, on June 20, 1913. At the age of 25, with an indomitable spirit, Marie crossed the Atlantic on the Europa on Feb. 4, 1938. Welcomed by her father’s sister Dorothy and husband, William Miller of Philadelphia, Marie began her new life in America with great love and support. Coming to America, she spoke several languages and soon added English by attending night classes.
Because her native language was German, she worked as a companion to Louise Van Canthier, the mother-in-law to Charles E. Hires, the son of the man who invented Hires Root Beer. His root beer was showcased along with the telephone, and Heinz Ketchup, in 1876 at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
Marie later worked managing an Invisible Mending Shop, having been trained as a seamstress in Stara Lubovna, about five kilometers from her home town of Kniesen, (German), Gnazda, (Slavish), in what is now Slovakia. During Word War II and just coming out of the Depression, people took cloths that had tears or holes to these mending shops to help them last longer. The shop that Marie managed was on Chelten Avenue in Philadelphia, not far from where she lived with her Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Bill.
Marie became the oldest child after her brother Bela died at 6 or 7 from pneumonia. Her brother Karl was the next oldest, then Valaria, Stefi, Wilhelm and Hedwig (Hedi).
Hedi and her son Vilko, his wife, Zdenka, and their children Martinka and Bill still live in Hnusta, Slovakia, not too far from where Marie was born.
Marie is survived by her two sons, Paul W. Frankfurter III and his wife, Mary, of Kingman, and William K. Frankfurter and his wife, Mary C. (Cathy) of Johnson. She also is survived by grandsons Paul Frankfurter IV of Arizona and Scott McCalla and his wife Karen of Vermont; sister Hedviga, her son Vilko and his wife Zdenka and their children Martinka and Bill of Slovakia, and sister Valaria of Prague, Czech Republic; a sister-in-law, Hildegard, and her family of Germany; a close cousin, and dear friend, Paul Gissinger of Philadelphia and his family; and another close cousin, Louise Maclennan and family of Canada among others, along with many friends.
For years Marie was an active member of a widows’ group who gave each other love and support. She was a remarkable, loving person who always thought of her family, creating that wonderfully typical American home though the 1950s, ’60s and beyond. A stay-at-home mom, a wonderful cook, a loving wife and mother, she will be missed, always loved, and cherished by those who knew her. She experienced first hand much of the 20th century and in her own small way helped create a little bit of heaven right here. She exemplified a graceful way of living; her always welcoming nature made even strangers feel at home. Her homes through the years were immaculate and cared for with love and a detailed eye for a peaceful, warm, family-oriented haven.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6 in Johnson. Following the services the family cordially invites friends to Hilary’s Restaurant in Morrisville, Vt., for fellowship and a luncheon.
Arrangements are under the direction of des Groseilliers Funeral Home, Main Street, Johnson, Vt.
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