Marie Mazeika Obituary

Marie Mazeika (Nee Emnadze) was born May 18,1924. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Albert, her sons, Christopher (Lana) and Steven (Gloria) and grandson, Nikolai as well as her dear sisters, Evelyn Martinkus (Steven), Nina McGleam (George) and nieces Maria Murphy and Melinda Mackey (Art) Survived by her son, Albert Frank (Cathy), her sister, Sasha Murphy. Grandchildren, Tariel Mazeika and Samantha Cluff (Tyler). Great grandchildren, Darren and Emily Marie Cluff. Alexandra, Anastasia Marie and Nikolai Mazeika. Nieces Arleen Sandrick (Tom), Nancy Markham Barbara Payne (John), Eileen Digman, Ruth Taylor, Katherine Schuetz, (Bob) and Geri Hayes (George). Nephew, Nelson Strange (Marla Mason) and so many, many, many, more dear friends and relatives, just too numerous to list here.

The remarkable Marie was born and raised in Chicago, daughter of retired circus performers Christopher and Barbara Emnadze. A graduate of Englewood High School, Class of 1942. During World War II, She worked in the payroll department at The University of Chicago while Enrico Fermi was working on The Manhattan Project beneath the grandstands at Stagg Field. She married Albert Mazeika on July 27th, 1946. She and "Big Al" raised their 3 sons. First in Chicago and then in nearby Oak Park,. They re-located to Tucson in late 1974. She and "Big Al" were true partners in life and love and the life of every party they ever attended! She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church leaving behind many dear friends there. She leaves a beautiful legacy of unselfish love and friendship. I think this quote sums her up, quite nicely:

"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others". - The Wizard of Oz.

To know Marie, was to love her.

Marie requested no services be held other than graveside

and shared this among her final wishes:

"I have had a most wonderful life all these many years. I was so happy to have such a loving family and dear friends, and so many happy times. I will be with my loved ones, forever."

We would be remiss if we failed to commend her assisted living facility, Ranch Estates of Tucson, for their high-quality, loving, End-of-Life-Care. Marie loved everybody there, residents and staff alike.

Also, kudos to the wonderful folks at Casa De la Luz Hospice care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Casa De La Luz Hospice in Tucson.

Graveside service Friday, May 17, 9:30am. Holy Hope Catholic Cemetery. 3555 N. Oracle Road, Tucson.