Marianne Karol's Obituary
Marianne Karol, 72, of Greenwich, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, after a courageous battle with declining health. Born on May 14, 1954, in Bridgeton, NJ, she was the beloved daughter of the late Dorothy (Butler) and Michael Karol.
A lifelong resident of the area, Marianne graduated from Bridgeton High School with the Class of 1972. She went on to earn degrees from Brandywine College in 1974 and Glassboro State College in 1979, laying the foundation for her dedicated career in nursing and social work. Marianne served her community for many years through her work with the Cumberland County Department of Health and the Division of Social Services FamilyCare Unit. Additionally, she was a familiar and welcoming face at local Greenwich staple, The Bait Box, where she worked part-time for over three decades from the late 1960s through the 1980s.
Marianne was a proud and faithful parishioner of The Parish of The Holy Cross, regularly volunteering her time as an usher at Saint Teresa of Avila Church.
In June 1996, Marianne met her longtime partner, James. Together, they shared a deep love for nature, photography, and travel. They were frequent visitors to Skyline Drive, where Marianne loved to hike and find peace along the 105-mile scenic roadway running the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. One of her greatest joys was being able to share the beauty of that destination with her parents before their passing.
Marianne’s memory will be forever cherished by her longtime partner, James Patrick Schafer; her dear cousins and devoted friends and neighbors; including Max Doughty, Steve Karol, Pat Karol, Gary and Becky Albert, Mike and Alex Thompson, Mike and Betty Coyne, John Mastalski, Steve and Maribeth Waddington, John and Shirley DiRieco, Kenny and Jean Hildreth, Mark and Terry Evans, and a host of extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her loving parents, Dorothy and Michael Karol.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Tuesday June 9, 2026 at 11:00 am from The Parish of the Holy Cross St. Teresa of Avila Church, 46 Central Ave. Bridgeton, NJ.
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