Juanita Louise “Nita” Marriott, 63, of Peoria, passed away at 6:32 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2010, at her home.
She was born in Baltimore, MD on December 7, 1947, a daughter of Kenneth Sr. and Shirley (Evans) Nycum. She married John E. Strishock in September of 1967. He preceded her in death in December of 1984. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Shirley; and sister, Susan. She married William D. “Bill” Marriott on March 17, 1989 in Peoria. He survives.
Nita is also survived by her sons, John (Deb) Strishock of Chelsea, MD, Joe (Diane) Marriott of Little Rock, AR, Donald (Sybil) Marriott of Eldridge, IA, Daniel (Amy) Marriott of Davenport, IA and E. Leslie Strishock of Leoti, KS; daughters, Linda (Anthony) Griffin of Londonderry, NH and Sharon (Conan) Ferguson of LaSalle, CO; brothers, Ralph, Ron (Nancy) and Michael, all of Glen Burnie, MD, Ken (Karen) of Stewartstown, PA, Brian of Sitka, AK and Rodney of Balto City, MD; sisters, Sharon Lynn Nycum of Las Vegas, NV and Mary Luann Schultz of Hickory, NC; nineteen grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
In 1965, she graduated from Southern High School in Baltimore, with an emphasis towards business education.
After residing in Baytown, TX, she moved to Peoria in the early 1970s. As an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, she sang soprano in the church choir and performed with the hand-bell choir.
She began her administrative career with Bergner’s in the scheduling and receiving departments. She then worked sixteen years, prior to early retirement, in the business office for OSF St. Francis Medical Center.
After retirement, she endured her passion for the outdoors and moved to the lake house in Wapello, IA. There, she worked at the State Bank of Wapello and became a successful Avon representative. As an active member of the community, she sat on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood in Burlington, IA and ran for County Supervisor in Wapello. She also provided support as a guidance counselor to women dealing with domestic violence, as well as showing her support as a member of the National TTT Society and the Louisa County Keck Players Theatre. She was a parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church in Wapello and then a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbus Junction, IA.
All the while, she continued her memberships with OSF Senior Saints, The Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus Spalding Council and the Auxiliary of AMVETS Post #64 in Peoria. In 2006, she moved back to Peoria and was a parishioner of St Ann Catholic Church, a member of the German-American Central Society and a member and president of the Damenchor Germania women’s singing group. She was also active in the Peoria Player’s Theatre and enjoyed playing bingo at the Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council.
A funeral liturgy will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria, with Fr. Terry Cassidy officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, also at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded, following services.
Memorial contributions may be made in Nita’s memory to the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program in Peoria.
Nita was such a special person and friend to one and all. She always had a smile and a kind word to everyone. Nita's fun loving spirit always made one feel good just to be around her. I will always remember the great bus trips we took together She will be missed but we will keep the many wonderful memories of Nita in our hearts forever.
| Theresa Brown |
My deepest sympathy |
December 22, 2010 |
My love and prayers to you Uncle Bill and the family. Aunt Nita was a very nice lady with a lovely heart. She will be missed by many people
. May she rest in peace.
Love, Theresa Brown
| Judy Travis |
My Deepest Sympathy! |
December 22, 2010 |
My deepest sympathy to Bill and his and Nita's family. Nita was one of the sweetest people I ever met. She was kind to everyone and had a special smile for all. She was so supportive of my feelings when I lost my husband. Her kind words and advice helped me in my period of grief. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.
| The James Marriott Family |
In loving Memory |
December 21, 2010 |
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill, Sharon, and all of Nita's family and friends. Nita was a special person with the kindest heart. She loved her family and was always there for support, love, and friendship. She always gave of herself to others both within her family and her community. We especially remember Nita because of how much love she extended to our family and especially our boys. May she rest in Peace. Love, Jim, Sue, Marvin, and Max Marriott.
| The Gaudet Family |
Love & Prayers |
December 21, 2010 |
Much Love to Sharon and Family on the passing of Nita, she was a Great Mom and an all around Great person. She will be missed by all who knew her. I was blessed with meeting her in 2007 when bunches of people decended upon her house and she graciously took care of all of us! May she rest in Peace.
