Marie Bretzger
Marie C. Bretzger (Marie), 95, of Roseland, NJ, passed away on October 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, including all four of her children.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 3–7 PM at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068 shookfarmer.com. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:45 AM at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Roseland, NJ, with entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ.
Born and raised in Newark, Marie settled in Roseland with her family in 1964. In her early years, she worked as a seamstress in Newark, a job she loved but happily gave up when she had her first child. Marie was a devoted homemaker whose greatest joy was raising her four children. When her children were grown, she enjoyed her time working in the cafeteria at West Essex High School, where her friendly smile and kind nature brightened everyone’s day.
Marie loved life and had a natural gift for bringing joy to those around her. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, and attending local events, especially going to her grandchildren’s sporting events. She particularly loved celebrating birthdays—never missing the chance to plan a party for herself and gather everyone she loved. Marie’s greatest joy came from her family, and nothing made her happier than spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When the grandchildren were small, it was not unusual for her to watch five or six of the grandkids at a time. Lunch would always consist of pastina. She was the heart of the family, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. In quieter moments, she enjoyed crocheting and creating handmade pieces for those she loved. Every family member has a bag of crocheted doilies for every season of the year.
Marie married the love of her life, William Bretzger, on August 3, 1957. Together they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage, filled with laughter, love, and adventure. Their bond was an inspiration to everyone who knew them. Whether traveling, shopping, or simply sitting together watching television, where one was, the other was never far behind.
Marie is predeceased by her beloved husband, William J. Bretzger; her parents, Michael and Angelina Freda; and her siblings, Rose Miele, Antoinette Frungillo, and Sonny Freda. Surviving are her devoted children, Laura Bretzger (Paul), Denise Cox (Garry), William J. Bretzger IV (Nancy), and Michael Bretzger (Joanne); her loving grandchildren William (Lauren), Lorrie (Chad), Daniel (Lorena), Michael (Sarah), Alyssa, Brendan (Ashley), Leslie (Robert), Alicia, Ryan (Timi), Andrew (Emily), Kevin (Kelly), Nicholas (Ciara), Maria, Lisa (Derek), and Megan (Dan); 17 cherished great-grandchildren, her sister, Gina Taylor and her brother, Michael Freda and his wife Emily. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation t2t.org.