Marie E. Bessler

Marie Elizabeth Bessler, 82, resided at Genesis Healthcare, La Plata, Maryland, at the time of her death on January 25, 2016. She succumbed to breast cancer. Marie had previously been a cancer survivor about 35 years ago. She was born March 27, 1933, in Bronx, New York, to Casper Bessler and Josephine (Raineri) Bessler. She grew up in the Bronx with her brother, Michael Bessler. Marie loved baseball and would go to Yankee Stadium with her father or friends to watch them play. She was able to get autographs and pictures of the Yankee players including Yogi Berra. As a young adult, she would go dancing with her friends, Broadway plays. She also traveled to such places as Miami, Florida; Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. Marie worked at New York Bell and retired after 30 years. Her residences included Bronx, NY; Alexandria, VA; Waldorf, MD; Mechanicsville, MD; California, MD; Leonardtown, MD; and La Plata, MD. Marie enjoyed reading books, going to the movies, and doing crosswords. She also loved animals and enjoyed watching the dog shows on television. Marie played Spades and Bingo. While at Genesis, she learned how to play Texas Hold ‘Em and did quite well. The nurses commented that she would frequently be walking up and down the hallway to go play these games. She also enjoyed doing the crafts while at Genesis. She had made a 4th of July painting which she was very proud of and which was hung on the bulletin board. Marie was a charitable and generous person. She would give to different Catholic and animal charities. She was also generous to her friends and family. She volunteered her time by reading to the blind at the local chapter in New York, walking dogs at the Charles County Humane Society, and working as a receptionist at the Charles County Children’s Aid Society. Marie had a wonderful sense of humor. She would often banter with her family and friends. Marie was a champion for fairness. As an example, her great-niece, Erica, had picked her up to take her to the dentist. A state trooper pulled Erica over for speeding. Marie was sure to let the state trooper know that the other cars were going a lot faster and he should have pulled them over. Needless to say, the state trooper did not agree. Marie is survived by her brother, Michael Bessler, and sister-in-law, Margaret Bessler (Vancouver, WA); nieces, Michelle Lauch (Mechanicsville, MD) and Kelly Akowskey (Vancouver, WA). Michelle’s family includes her husband, Eric Lauch (Mechanicsville, MD); daughter, Erica (Lauch) Whittaker and son-in-law, Andrew Whittaker (King George, VA); and son, Ezra Lauch who is in college. Kelly’s family includes her husband, William Akowskey; daughters, Zoe Akowskey and Holly Akowskey. Marie is predeceased by her father, Casper Bessler (January 1955), and mother, Josephine (Raineri) Bessler (November 1983). A viewing will be held on February 6, 2016, between 2:00pm and 4:00pm at the Raymond Funeral Home, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646, phone number (301) 934-2920. Marie will then travel to New York where a Graveside Service will be held at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale, New York 10530, phone number (914) 693-4700, where Marie will be laid to rest next to her mother. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society P. O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or your local animal shelter in Marie’s honor. Thank you for celebrating the life of Marie. She was a woman who loved and cared about everyone especially animals.

Marie E. Bessler

March 27, 1933 - January 25, 2016