Maria Polomene Merenda

Marie Polomene Merenda, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and great
grandmother, passed away on August 4th , 2023, at the age of 94 at her home in
Bryan, Texas. She leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished
memories.
Marie was born on Staten Island, New York and grew up as the eldest of two
children in a close-knit family. After graduating from Curtis High School,
Marie attended Hunter College and Drakes Drafting School before working
eight years for Babcock & Wilcox Power Boilers as a cost and schedule
estimator. On November 9th , 1952, she married Alfred (Al) Merenda. Their
relationship together lasted 67 years until his death in 2019. Her greatest joy
in life was in being a mother to her two children, Linda Stearns of College
Station, Texas and Ken Merenda of Woodland Park, Colorado. She poured her
heart and soul into their upbringing, actively participating in their education
and extracurricular activities. The love and support she showed for her
children and grandchildren knew no bounds.
In 1972, Marie and Al joined with the families of Al’s co-workers at Raymond
International, moving to Houston, Texas.
In 1975, Marie returned to the business world working in a retail sales position
at Palais Royal. Not long afterward, she played a substantial role in raising
her grandchildren, dutifully sacrificing personal affairs in her unwavering
commitment to family. At St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, Marie was
active in the Senior Friends Ministry. Her favorite hobbies, cooking and
knitting, greatly contributed to the enjoyment of these church and family
events.
In 2013, Al and Marie moved from Houston to Bryan, Texas where they would
live out their remaining years in the close company of their children and
grandchildren.

Marie will be remembered as a woman of unwavering love, strength, and
devotion. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and all
those who were fortunate to have known her. She will be deeply missed, but
forever cherished in our hearts.
Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Al Merenda; her mother, Jenny
Cicala Polomene; her father Joseph Polomene; and her brother, Anthony
Polomene. She is survived by her daughter Linda Merenda Stearns, and
husband Hugh; her son, Ken Merenda, and wife Joy; her grandchildren,
Heather Merenda Frazier and husband Michael, Kenneth Merenda II and
partner Oscar Morales, Kira Stearns, Mareya Stearns, and Justin Howard and
wife, Annel; her great grandchildren Devin Rodriguez, Gavin Rodriguez, and
Liam Howard; and by numerous other cherished relatives and friends.
A celebration of Marie’s life to be led by her great nephew, Father Andrew
Vitrano Farinato, is scheduled at St. Ignatius (7810 Cypresswood Drive in
Spring, Texas) on Tuesday, October 3rd followed by a graveside service at
Resurrection Cemetery on Staten Island on Friday, October 6th. Express condolences at www.callawayjones.com.