Marie A. Koestler, age 101, of Nanuet, NY, passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2026 surrounded by family. She was born on November 17, 1924 in Richland Center, Wisconsin to Howard and Mary Stephenson.
Marie was known for her perfect manners. She attended every event, no matter how small, in her fancy attire. She is remembered by all in her dresses, matching jewelry, and high heels.
Marie spent her long life in many different roles – wife, mother, administrative assistant, preserver of historical information, translator of books (French and Russian), and grandmother/great-grandmother. During WWII she followed the troops to California and met her soon to be husband, following the war they made their way back to New Jersey.
While raising a family, Marie worked in the family plumbing business yet continued her love of learning by mastering the French and Russian language. She participated in Sunrise Semester for credit (the original online learning from NYU), translated both French and Russian books to English. In later years, she worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in theArms and Armor Department, where she thoroughly enjoyed working on publishing books and helping with new exhibits.
Following retirement, Marie found new passions – square dancing and line dancing, as well as engaging in volunteer opportunities related to researching and preserving history in Rockland and Bergen Counties with the Rockland County Archives, the Historical Society of Rockland County, Rockland County Genealogical Society and the Orangetown Museum. She was dedicated to genealogical research and always wanted things to be correct. Her massive research material/collection has been entrusted to The Orangetown Museum to benefit others.
Marie continued her love of reading by co-reading her grandchildren’s assigned reading and creating her own Spark Notes. She learned so much class work that she would have earned multiple bachelor degrees.
In her later years, Marie was known as “Nini” and “Grandma” to family, friends, and caregivers.
She maintained her strong personality and hunger, not only for food, but also for knowledge.
Marie never lost her desire to learn, always asking curious questions to all she met. She volunteered her skills to family and friends throughout her years. Marie never failed to practice her French, Russian, or Polish with anyone who mentioned they had experience with any of the languages.
Marie is survived by her children Robert J. Koestler (Victoria), Jean Bondolillo (Thomas), and Anne Rizzo (Samuel), her sixgrandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Her husband, James A. Koestler, and son, James Richard Koestler, predeceased her.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi RC Church, 128 Parrott Rd, West Nyack, NY.
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