Fay Catherine Mariani died peacefully at home surrounded by her children on May 5, 2025.
Born on July 9, 1926, in Rillton, Pennsylvania, Fay was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.
In 1950, Fay married Lawrence John Mariani, and together they created a wonderful life raising four children: Blayne Mariani, Kolette Woloszynek, Rhonda Mariani (Marilyn Bradley), Meleah Mariani (Mark Fisher), and son-in-law Michael Raupp, all surviving. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Mariani, her parents, August and Elizabeth (Frohnhofer) Bosetti, and her brother and sister-in-law, Elwyn and Lucille (Manack) Bosetti.
Fay created many fun experiences and memories in the lives of her five cherished grandchildren: Jared Abell, Brian Abell (Amy Fuller), Kara Abell (Hugh Miller), Chelsea Raupp (partner, Aaron Tinsley), and Nick Raupp (Ashley Bembenek). She was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Lincoln Abell, Grant Abell, Boone Abell, Remi Raupp (unborn) and Rayna Raupp. In addition to her immediate family, Fay’s extended family in Pennsylvania was incredibly important to her. Her cousins, nieces, and nephews were very dear to her.
She enjoyed canning spaghetti sauce and jelly, making homemade pasta, and playing euchre and bridge. After graduating from business college, Fay began her career as a telephone operator. During World War II, she contributed to the war effort by working in a defense factory, later transitioning to a role as a store manager in the 1970s. She lived most of her adult life in Ypsilanti and later made her home in Chelsea, Michigan.
A woman of many talents, Fay was a gifted seamstress with a particular passion for quilting. She also found joy in baking, solving crossword puzzles, visiting casinos, playing cards and board games.
Fay will be remembered for her humor, strength of character, and unconditional love for her family. She leaves behind a lifetime of creativity, kindness, and a strong moral compass that will live on in all who knew her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with Fr. David Stawasz presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Senior Center.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
