Marianne V. Deery
Marianne V. Deery passed away on January 5, 2023, at the age of 80.
“October 21, 1997 was a beautiful day. It was our wedding day and the beginning of the happiest years of my life. Frank and I were married at Sanatoga Manor to accommodate Frank’s parents, Joseph, and Helen. His sister Peggy Deery Matz and her children Glenn Given (husband of Allison) and Stephanie Levan as well as my sister JoAnn Panfile Stephens (wife of David) and their children Scott (husband of Karen) and Amy (wife of Dr. Michael Baram) welcomed us with open arms.”
Marianne was born March 13, 1942, in Pottstown, PA. to the late Catherine M. (Fryer) and Joseph A. Panfile. My mother said it was the luckiest day of her life, even though it was Friday the 13th.
I was a 1960 graduate of Boyertown Area High School and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business by attending Pottstown Business School’s night classes.
I served on Boyertown’s Borough Council on various committees for 10 years, then continued to serve as Mayor for 20 years. Through the years, I served on various boards. Most recent were Building a Better Boyertown, Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, the State Theatre, and the Colebrookdale Railroad.
I loved hosting luncheons for political figures on the federal, state and county levels but also inviting locals so that we could learn from each other. As previous owner and innkeeper of the Twin Turrets Inn, my door was always open for guests from around the world and to locals who needed to talk. Everybody came to love our English Springer Spaniels, Emmy, Lizzie, and Abby.
In 2002 I founded Building A Better Boyertown and the Main Street Program. I was honored in 2004 as Building A Better Boyertown Volunteer of the Year, in 2005 as Boyertown’s Citizen of the Year and 2006 was the recipient of YWCA Tri-County Area’s Tribute to Exceptional Women for outstanding service and contribution in the field of business. In 2021, I received a Recognition Plaque from Barry Leatherman and the police department, a Citation from the House of Representatives, signed by David Maloney, our State Representative and a Citation form the Senate, signed by Bob Mensch, our State Senator, and a very special gift with recognition from our Borough Council. However, my greatest honor was serving our community. Thanks for the memories.
I have many to thank: Boyertown’s Volunteers; Bayada Visiting Nurse; Pottstown’s Cancer Center; Chestnut Knoll and the many friends, and relatives with words of encouragement to continue this journey. My husband, Frank was with me every step of the way.
p.s. in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 9:30-11:00AM at the Friendship Hook & Ladder Company, 10 Warwick Street, Boyertown, PA. 19512. A memorial service will follow at 11:00AM with Eastern Berks Regional Police Force Chief of Police Barry Leatherman officiating.
Morrell Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. (www.morrellfuneralhome.com)