Marie Eleanor Margaret (O'Keefe) Stroker August 22, 1920 - April 23, 2015

Life is changed, not ended.

Born August 22, 1920, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Marie passed into eternal life on April 23, 2015 in Kingston, Massachusetts at the Wingate Skilled Care Nursing Facility. She was surrounded by the competent, caring staff and compassionate residents of the Elmwood Unit.

Holding her daughter's hand (MaryEllen), she surrendered into the loving embrace of Christ, Our Lady, and the arms of her beloved husband, Bill. Her passing was a gift to him on the occasion of his birthday.

Marie's journey of 94 years was rooted in faith and dedicated to her family: Husband of 50 years, William (Bill) John Stroker; five children; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She is the mother of Anne Seile of Sisters.

Wherever she called home, from Connecticut to North Carolina to Oregon and finally Massachusetts, Marie participated in community and ministered to those in her parish family as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Bringing the Eucharist to the sick, singing in the choir and participating in the Altar Society were her joy and delight. Bill and Marie enjoyed traveling, spending time with their family and hiking together in their retirement years.

Marie leaves a legacy of a beautiful smile, natural curly hair (inherited from her Lithuanian mother), an exemplary prayerful life, a voice for the unborn, a life of simplicity and generosity and an unwavering trust in Jesus.

Well done, good and faithful servant! Enjoy your reward with the Angels, Saints, and the God of unconditional, passionate love.