Marie C. Sirianni

Marie Carmela (DiTommaso) Sirianni passed away peacefully on the anniversary of her wedding, January 21, 2023, surrounded by her 5 sons, Archie, Michael, Joseph, Gregory, Thomas, and her dear sister Carmela and brother-in-law Dan.  Marie was born November 17, 1938.  She was raised on Tulpehocken Street, in Philadelphia with her loving parents Joseph and Rose DiTommaso, and her younger sister Carmela. 

Marie is survived by her five sons, Archie (Paula), Michael (Connie), Joseph (Loretta), Gregory (Linda), Thomas (Mary), her sister Carmela and brother-in-law Dan, 13 Grandchildren, Martine, Madeline, Noah, Luke, Lauren, Christine, Joe, Nicholas, Olivia, Jack, Thomas, Sophia and Joseph. She is also survived by her 3 nieces, Danielle, Stephanie, and Kristin, whom she loved dearly, and 3 great nieces and 5 great nephews.

Marie attended Our Lady of the Rosary elementary school and graduated from Little Flower High School in 1955.  She remained lifelong friends with her school classmates that she affectionately referred to as her “sorority”.  Marie made friends everywhere she went. We joked that no matter where you went with her, she would see someone that she knew. She was loyal, full of grace, strong and compassionate, with a great sense of humor. She had a very special relationship with her first cousins.  She adored them and enjoyed their cousins’ weekends.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her nieces and their families.  Her neighbors from Gwynedd and Westhampton Way quickly became great lifelong friends.   She spent enjoyable times with them shopping, out to lunch, and at the beach. Her most special relationship was with her sister Carmela.  The “DiTommaso Sisters” were inseparable.  They were more than sisters. They were friends, confidantes, and the foundation of their respective families.  Marie was so proud of Carmela and she had an unyielding commitment and love for her brother-in-law Dan.  They enjoyed vacations together, trips to the casinos, Ocean City, playing games, sleepovers and just spending time together over a cup of coffee.  Carmela and Dan were there for Marie throughout her life and at her side the moment she passed.

In 1960, she met the love of her life, Archie Sirianni.  Archie wooed her with his loving nature, spirit for life, sense of humor, love of family and musical talents.  A Hollywood movie could be made of their courtship, which ultimately led to marriage on January 21, 1961.  They immediately started a family and were blessed to have five sons, Archie, Michael, Joseph, Gregory, and Thomas.  She thrived as a mother and worked hard to teach proper values and faith to her sons.  Her boys were close in age.  When her fourth son (Gregory) was born, Archie was still 2 years old.  Imagine having 4 boys in cloth diapers at the same time… now that’s a hardworking woman.  A few years later, the youngest (Thomas) was born, and Marie and Archie were thrilled to raise their 5^th child. 

As her boys grew up, they were actively involved in music and sports.  Marie and Archie attended all their concerts, baseball games, wrestling matches, graduations and all the wonders that life bestows on a family.

In July, 1983, with her youngest son only 12 years old, she lost her beloved husband, Archie.  She somehow had the inner strength to continue to be a mom, but also be a dad to her 5 sons.  She navigated her altered life to guide her sons to be responsible, respectful, hard-working, God-loving sons, just like their father and she did a phenomenal job!  Her friends, cousins, neighbors and especially her parents and Carmela and Dan, rose to the occasion to support and help Marie through this difficult challenge.  With her faith in Jesus and loving support of family and friends, she continued being the teacher and coach to her 5 sons. 

She absolutely adored her daughter-in-laws and they adored her in return.  Paula, Connie, Loretta, Linda, and Mary were daughters to her and she had a special bond with each of them.  She was a wonderful mother and friend and inspired them with her wisdom, love, and strength.  She was always ready to lend a helping hand or simply listen with compassion.  Her daughters would do anything for Marie and were always happy to help her.  She was proud of the families they were raising. 

Her favorite activity was spending time with her 13 grandchildren.  She was so proud of her grandchildren.  Every grandchild had a special bond and relationship with their grandmother.  She would celebrate each child’s birthday with a sleep over with Grandmom which created special memories and a bonded relationship with her.  The greatest gift she gave her grandchildren was teaching them the importance of family, faith, and love, and she achieved this goal.

Although her family was her most prized possession, she found such joy in so many life activities.  At the top of the list was her faith and love of Jesus.  She attended mass regularly and loved her relationship with the Lord.  She adored celebrating the Italian Christmas Eve celebration of the 7 fishes, a tradition that will continue in the Sirianni family.   She loved spending time in Ocean City, NJ with her family and friends.  She cherished trips to Sea Isle with her cousin Mickey and her beautiful family. The smell of salt air, crashing of waves, steaming crabs, and walks on the boardwalk, all gave her peace and tranquility. 

She was a remarkable woman who not only shaped the lives of her family, but she touched the lives of so many friends and neighbors.  Throughout her life she shared her talents, compassion, strength, and generosity. The outpouring of love and attention she received during her illness was extraordinary.  She was able to experience a “George Bailey” moment, where she could see the impact and impression she left on so many lives.  As she approached her final days, she told her sons, “I was united with your father on January 21^st (1961) and I want to be reunited with him on our anniversary”… and that is exactly what she did.  May you rest in peace Marie with your beloved Archie.

There will be a celebration of life and visitation on Monday, January 30th from 6pm to 8pm at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA.  On Tuesday, January 31^st, there will be a visitation at Corpus Christi, from 9:00am to 10:30am, followed by a Eulogy at 10:45am and mass at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation, payable to THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE:

The National Cancer Institute

Attn:  Dr. Jeremy Davis

Building 10 Room 4-3742

10 Center Dr.

Bethesda, MD 20892

Please include a brief note stating funds are directed to Dr. Jeremy Davis/ CDH1 Research, in the name of Marie Sirianni.  Also add “Dr. Jeremy Davis/CDH1 Research” on the memo section of your check.