Marianne V. Deery

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)

22 Condolences
  1. We will miss our neighbor! But more importantly we will miss Marianne’s smile, the love she had for Boyertown, for the Boyertown People and the love she had for the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit. God Bless
    Jayne and Tom McHugh

  2. Sorry for your loss, Frank. I’ve always enjoyed her company and insight.

  3. Dear Frank
    You chose a beauty, a beauty in so many ways. Despite the pain, you have many fond memories with Marianne. She was one of my early patients and was a joy to serve. You must be the best if she chose you.
    jim tribbett

  4. It was a true blessing to know Marianne as a community partner and as a friend. She serves as an inspiration for us all! She will be missed.

    Shawn

  5. Frank, You are in our thoughts. Your loss of Marianne will be felt by many. Take Care.

  6. So sorry for your loss Frank, family and Boyertown. The first time I met Marianne she had a sparkle in her eye and was genuinely happy to meet me. She had that warm friendly way about her every time I saw her. So glad to have known her as a friend. Sincerely, Barbara Lehmann

  7. Dear Frank, I am so saddened by Marianne’s passing. She was a wonderful person and you were a wonderful couple. I enjoyed our times together and am so glad we had phone chats in recent months. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. Marianne had a genuine love for people. She made everyone feel like they were special. Boyertown is a better place because of you Marianne. We will continue to do what you began and make Boyertown even greater.

  9. My remembrances of Marianne are many but the most prominent one is her smile. I cannot remember a time that I did not see her smiling, Her love of Boyertown showed through all the things that she did … from being mayor of Boyertown to the organizations she served. Frank, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Just remember, you are not alone. Others are grieving with you.

  10. I remember Marianne from all the meetings I attended for the BB&B at Borough Hall; and all the events I saw her at in the Community. She meant allot to our Community and the folks she served. Our thoughts and prayers our with her. So sorry for your loss Frank.

    Our sincere sympathy,

    Cliff & Sandy Reinert

  11. Marieanne, we will miss you in so many ways, your smile, your friendship, your leadership, and your love for the community. May God bless you.

    Frank, I am so sorry for your loss.

    Jeff & Jamie

  12. We always were reminded of each other when our yellow evening primroses bloomed each summer. That memory will be even more meaningful this June. Your work for BBB and its Tree Committee were outstanding. I’m sad to have to say goodbye to the kindest woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

  13. Dear Frank,
    After many years we , my sister and I, were able to reconnect with our cousin Marianne. She was like a new sister for us and Frank ,you are another brother. Marianne will be missed so much.
    Love ,
    Nancy

  14. Dear Frank,

    My condolences to you. Your wife and her smile made the day just great. I know both of you are a wonderful couple and for what you have done for the Borough
    of Boyertown. May God Bless you and I will always remember “Mrs. Mayor”

    John M. Koltonuk

  15. Marianne was (and I believe continues to be) a beautiful caring woman who had a wonderful impact on everyone who was blesses to know her. I had the privilege of being one of her godchildren, one of many and also many others she embraced as such. She loved us all and I remember her speak of so many of her other “kids” . If you were one you know who you are because she made us all special. She brought so much life to everyone and everything. Her goodness touched us as family, friends and as a community. Frank I am so sorry for your loss, your compassion and love for Marianne were / are clearly visible and a model for everyone. what a blessing you were in her life.

  16. My condolences to the family of Maryann
    I met Maryann when my mom wrote a poem for Boyertown
    She will be missed.
    Many hugs and prayers

  17. We are both very sorry to hear the sad news of Marianne’s passing, and are grateful we were able to visit with her and you, Frank, in Nov. We met both of you at Twin Turrets as guests, but it quickly turned into friendship over the years during our many visits. Marianne was a small dynamo who worked tirelessly for Boyertown. and the town is a much better place because of her efforts. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. We will miss her greatly.

  18. Dear Frank,

    Was so sorry to hear of Marianne’s passing, she was quite a dynamo running Twin Turrets and being involved with serving Boyertown.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Love your cuz Cheri

  19. Frank,
    Out of nowhere at the dinner table I thought of Marianne & the Twin Turrets. I googled the Turrets, as I often did, and was shocked & saddened to see that Marianne had passed the day before. I didn’t want it to be true. We are so sorry and sad for you that you have lost one of the kindest, friendliest women we know. As guests of the Twin Turrets over many years we grew to consider Marianne a friend. We often would sit and talk over breakfast & reminisce about when we lived in Douglassville & Dave worked at the casket company. We often went to Zerns to pick up a shufly pie for her. She made us feel so much at home that we came to considered Boyertown our second home. We didn’t get a chance to see you as often but you should know how much Marianne spoke of you with a big smile on her face. We will always hold Marianne, you & the Turrets in our thoughts & hearts. The Twin Turrets will never be the same.

  20. Dear Frank,
    My condolences to you and your families. I have always loved Marianne and I would tell her so. She had such a presence about herself that will always be memorable. You are in my daily prayers.
    With Sad Heart,
    Dolly

  21. Marianne was one of a kind. I remember arriving for one of our stays at the Twin Turrets, walking in the door, and calling, “Mom, we’re home!” That’s the kind of feeling you experienced in Marianne’s presence. You were loved, you were cared for, you were “home.” So incredibly sorry for the deep sense of loss being felt by Frank who, I know, was hoping for a different outcome. We are greatly saddened by her passing while, at the same time, feeling ever so blessed that our lives were touched by hers.

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