Mrs. Marianne Creran Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

It is with great sadness that the family of Marianne Creran, 85, of Pittsfield, announce her passing on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family. Born in Mainz, Germany on April 23, 1937, the daughter of the late Johann and Johanna Volksheimer. Marianne was born prematurely with only one kidney and weighing only 4 lbs. As an adult she barely graced 5 feet tall but was filled with spunk and determination. She was a young child when World War II began and quickly became familiar with sadness and fear. She shared many stories about standing in bread lines, searching for discarded coal along train tracks and fleeing to escape bombs, but she also could tell you stories of good times spent with her family and her mom always singing along with fun times with her childhood friends playing a game we all know as “ding dong ditch”. Marianne was educated in Germany and worked at Max Factor Cosmetics for many years. It was in Germany where she met her future husband, Jim Creran who was stationed in Germany as an Army foot soldier. Even though Jim could not speak German and Marianne could barely speak English, they became a couple. Marianne again showed her spunk and on October 16,1958 moved to the United States and married Jim on April 18, 1959. Marianne had many accomplishments during her lifetime. She taught herself the English language and became a United States Citizen. She devoted many years taking care of her family, house, and numerous pets. She helped Jim fielding phone calls, decorating his newly built houses during his early career as a contractor and owned the Michelle Manor Apartments and The Sabrina Professional Center. In 1990 she opened her own storefront – Marianne’s Corner Shop on Tyler Street in Pittsfield displaying handcrafted items which she managed for many years. Marianne also worked a few summers at Berkshire School in Sheffield and provided daycare for her 5 grandchildren. Marianne enjoyed ceramics for many years and crafting. She loved her flower gardens and decorating for the holidays, along with feeding the wildlife around her home. She was such a kind soul that the chipmunks and turkeys would follow her around. Marianne especially loved being an “Oma”. She was involved in her grandchildren’s lives in every way. From attending school events, sports activities, and music recitals to making sure their beds were made on college move in day. She loved family vacations to Disney World and Myrtle Beach. She was so proud of her family and was the happiest when they were with her. In her later years she became a big New England Patriots Fan, routing for Edelman, proudly wearing her Brady jersey and having regular Monday football chats with her grandsons. Marianne was blessed with the gift of gab, and she made friends wherever she went and was loved by all that met her. She would give you the shirt off her back and you always knew she was there if you needed her. Not many people knew but she would dress up for Halloween for years just to surprise the grandkids. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Marianne’s family meant everything to her. She was predeceased by her husband James P. Creran, who passed away on March 17, 2011. She leaves behind her daughters Michelle O’Brien and Sabrina Evangelisto both of Pittsfield, granddaughters Makenzie and Amanda Evangelisto, and grandsons – Scott and Chris O’Brien and Logan Evangelisto. Marianne also leaves behind 2 sisters Anne Lekov of Sarasota, Florida and Rosemarie Solis of Dalton and extended family in the United States and Germany. In addition to her husband and parents Marianne was predeceased by her brothers Friedel Schott, Ludwig Volksheimer, Hans Volksheimer, Hans Herbert and sister Lilo Herbert. A special thanks to Tami Bouchard for all your help and sincere compassion. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Marianne Creran will be Tuesday, June 28, 2022 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Mark’s Church, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher Fedoryshyn, Pastor. At Marianne’s request the graveside service will be private. Calling hours will be Monday, June 27, 2022, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. In lieu of flowers take the time to visit your grandmother, feed the birds, spoil your pets, or plant some flowers in honor of Marianne.

Mrs. Marianne Creran

April 23, 1937 - June 21, 2022