Marie Elizabeth Sileo

Our beautiful mother, Marie Elizabeth Sileo, peacefully passed from this world on February 6th, 2024. She was 88 years old and a longtime resident of Stamford, CT.

Marie was born in Alsace, France on September 26th, 1935, daughter to Albert Heng and Maria Durrenberger Heng.

Her childhood stories told of a war-torn world and a family of heroes, but through it all, she never lost her sense of wonder and beauty. She remained a sweet, soft-spoken woman until her very last breath.

Marie finished high school and continued her education with a secretarial school. She met her soon to be husband Annunziato Sileo, a U.S. Army private who was stationed in France at the time. He spoke limited French, so he took the name of John from his translation booklet for easier communication with her family. The couple was teased about the prank until they were married in France on March 5th, 1954.

Marie is survived by her children; daughter Toni and husband Chris Colombo, son Peter and wife Rose Sileo, son John and wife Jenny Sileo. Grandchildren; Michael and wife Erin Colombo, Kellie and husband Eddie Sempey, and William Sileo. And one great grandchild, Nico.

Marie is predeceased by her husband Annunziato (Dutch) Sileo of Stamford, CT and her brother Pierre Heng of Alsace, France.

Marie always said that her greatest joy was having and raising her children. She believed it was the only reason she was placed on this earth. She was a loving mother with a French accent that we never really heard, and when friends would mention it, we'd say, 'what accent'!?!

She came to this country as shy young woman, not speaking a word of English, and married into a large and loud Italian family! Marie loved her mother-in-law Mama Sileo very much, and was so happy to be a part of her new family.

Marie quickly learned to speak fluent English but, as parents, the two spoke French when they didn't want the kids to know what they were saying. She enjoyed a few hobbies; she loved to knit and crochet, she was an avid reader of all the classic novels, and became quite good in her ceramics class. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she became a citizen of the USA. She studied diligently and graduated 'with honors' in 1976! We were all so very proud of her.

Marie's grandchildren lovingly nicknamed her 'Little Grandma" because she was so petite. She loved having them over, serving them chocolate eclairs, teaching them French phrases, and laughing at the antics of their imitation of her accent while she sipped her weak tea with lemon.

Mom, you nurtured us and enriched our lives more than you knew. You instilled in us all of your grace and goodness; your affection and love will forever remain in our hearts.

"C'est la vie" was a phrase you used often, and it is how we will bid you farewell. We love you 'beaucoup, beaucoup'.

May you rest peacefully, our Sweet French Lady.

DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL

Death is nothing at all

I have only slipped away into the next room

I am I and you are you

Whatever we were to each other

That we are still

Call me by my own familiar name

Speak to me in the easy way you always used

Put no difference into your tone

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow

Laugh as we always laughed

At the little jokes we always enjoyed together

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was

Let it be spoken without effort

Without the ghost of a shadow in it

Life means all that it ever was

There is absolute unbroken continuity

What is death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind

Because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you for an interval

Somewhere very near

Just around the corner

All is well.

Nothing is past; nothing is lost

One brief moment and all will be as it was before

How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

by Henry Scott-Holland