Marie G. (Sykes) Yachwan, 83, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 27, 2015 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born on February 19, 1932 in Welland, Ontario, Canada she was the daughter of the late Joseph T. and Marie (Gerardi) Sykes.

Marie came to Niagara Falls, NY as a baby with her family. She attended the former Cleveland Avenue grade school, North Junior, and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1950. On November 12, 1955 she married Stanley Yachwan at the former Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls, NY. On their 50th wedding anniversary, Marie and Stanley were able to renew their wedding vows at Sacred Heart. Marie was employed as a sign painter at the former Lincoln's Department Store and worked her way up to office manager. She was later employed at the Auto-Lite Corporation.

Marie lived in the same house on Ontario Avenue for most of her life, which was home to five generations of her family. She was known in the neighborhood for her "Easter Egg Tree" in front of the house. She was very proud of her north end heritage and attended most of the North End Reunions. She spent the last 10 years residing with her husband, son, daughter, and grandson in Wheatfield, New York.

Marie was an accomplished dancer with Fred Jones and Eddie Joseph, performing at local army and air bases as well as at social establishments in Buffalo, NY and Canada. She was heavily involved in both school and church functions. Marie was a room mother and a kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade aide, and a lunch mother at Sacred Heart School. She served as president of the Home School Association, Vice President of Niagara Catholic's Parent's Association and a member of the Sacred Heart's Parish Council and the Catholic Council of Women. She also was a member of the bereavement committee. Marie attended daily mass at Sacred Heart Church and served as Eucharistic minister, and loved to help decorate the church at Christmas and Easter time as part of the liturgy committee.

Marie served on the mission team at Sacred Heart, Saint Theresa's, Saint Joseph's, Holy Trinity, and Mount Carmel churches. She was best known for her role as Mrs. Goodbody in the mission's trial play and for painting many mission stones which many mission members still have until this day. She also volunteered at the Festival of Lights.

Battling diabetes for almost 35 years, Marie had lost both legs, the use of her hands, and her eyesight, but never lost her will to survive or her sense of humor. In failing health, she was cared for by her devoted son and daughter as well as compassionate home care aides including Noreen Chatmon, Betty Gandy, and Melanie Jordan. Marie will always be remembered for her sense of humor and her ability to make people laugh.

In addition to her husband of fifty nine years, Marie is survived by two children, Suzanne M. D'Aloise and Dr. Kevin G. Yachwan both of Niagara Falls, NY and was predeceased by one son Stanley J. Yachwan. She is also survived by one grandson, John D. D'Aloise; three siblings Yvette (late Marcel) Briand of Youngstown, NY, Joseph T. (Barbara) Sykes of Provo, UT and Jean (Frank) Guagliano of Grand Island, NY as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Marie was also predeceased by one brother, Gustave (Lorraine of Rochester, NY) Strong, one sister Deanie (late George) Evendole and three infant siblings.

Visitation will be on Monday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the
M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Tuesday March 31st at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Raphael Parish, 3840 Macklem Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Ivan Skenderovic officiating. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Suite 102, Amherst, NY 14226.