Mrs. Marie L. Walz

Marie Louise Walz went home to the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2013 after a long illness. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 18, 1926 to parents James Edgar and Cecilia Waldron. She attended Academy of the Holy Angels in New Orleans. In 1945 she married Victor Martin Walz and remained in New Orleans as her young GI went off to serve his country. When WW II ended they settled in New Orleans with a home of their own and Victor’s career with U.S. Customs began. They began raising a family which by 1956 had 7 children. Victor’s career took them to Brownsville, Texas, Charleston, S.C. and then to Merritt Island, FL. After raising their 7 children, Marie became a travel agent and led tours to destinations all over the world. They built their dream home in Lake Lure, N.C. and enjoyed the beautiful North Carolina mountains for 6 years. They returned to Florida and for the last 17 years and have lived in Winter Springs, Florida close to several of their children. She was a member of several organizations including the Merritt Island Women’s Club and Morning Star Auxiliary. Marie adored her husband of 68 years and her 7 children. She was happiest in her kitchen cooking her Cajun cuisine. Her gumbos and bread pudding were two of her signature dishes. Having dinner together each night as a family was required. She passed on to her children her joy of cooking and, most importantly, her love of God and her Catholic faith. She and Victor made many sacrifices so all seven children would have a Catholic education. Marie planned wonderful family reunions for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She showed her children the power of unconditional love through her unwavering commitment to them and her husband. Her loved ones are deeply enriched by her legacy of values and faith. They all witnessed a beautiful and rare example of “till death us do part” as Victor kept Marie in their home administering total care for the last 3 years of her life when the disease left her totally dependent on others. Marie leaves behind her husband of 68 years, Victor Walz, and her seven children, Jane Marie Worsham (Mike), Susan Ann Frost (Jack), Victor Martin Walz, Jr.(Patti), Timothy James Walz, Barbara Lacey Gray (Tony), Pamela Jean Bergstedt, and Paula Kay Brandt (Greg). She also leaves behind her much loved grandchildren Beau Worsham, Shell Pierce, Kim Thornburg, Chris Bennett, Jill Siegel, Nathan Walz, Jesse Walz, Heather Walz, Lisa Pastella, Patrick Pastella, Stefanie Vajapey, James Walz, Clayton Walz, Lindsey Nicole Karabes, Ashley Johnston, Kipp Whittaker, Thea Bergstedt, Mickey Cihla, Seth Bergstedt and Stephanie Lawton. Marie was also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Cdr. Jim Waldron of Richmond, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert Waldron. The Walz family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful caretakers who have given Marie tender loving care these years most of all Lori Thompson, Vitas Team #191 and Partners in Health. In lieu of flowers the Walz family requests donations be made to the food pantry of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 5300 Old Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL ,32792. The service for Marie Walz will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 2pm in the chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul Church located at 5300 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).

Mrs. Marie L. Walz

December 18, 1926 - November 24, 2013