Marianne W. Kwiecinski

Marianne Williamson Kwiecinski went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 30, 2018 following a life of service and dedication to her family and community.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6 ^th at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 202 Butternut Street.  Remains to be interred at the family cemetery in Franklin, TN at a future date.  Visitation will be held at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street, on Friday, October 5 ^th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Marianne was born on September 26, 1945 in Franklin, Tennessee.  She grew up in Sanford, Florida, but returned each summer to Franklin where she spent time with her cousins riding horses, playing cards, listening to the radio, reading books, and visiting family.

After graduating from Seminole High School in 1968, Marianne attended Orlando Junior College and then Belmont University where she earned her B.S. in Education.  Shortly after graduating from college, she moved to Artesia, NM to join her mother and began her teaching career in near-by Lake Arthur.  There, she met her future husband, Chet Kwiecinski.  At age 24, Marianne became a parent to nine children, providing unconditional love to them all.  Having been an only child, Marianne was thrilled with the new family she inherited when she married Chet.  Together, she and Chet would add 2 more sons to the family, Ben and Andrew.

When Chet and Marianne moved to Abilene, she began a long teaching career at Kenley School.  Teaching children with learning disabilities was her passion.  She loved sharing her love of reading with her students and dedicated her life to helping students learn and achieve.  She went on to earn a Master’s of Education degree as a Reading Specialist from Hardin Simmons University in 1996.  Following a teaching career of more than 25 years at Kenley, Marianne became the Executive Director of the school in 2004.  She served as the director for 11 years until her retirement in 2015.

Marianne was very much involved with the Abilene State Supported Living Center and advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities.  Her unwavering devotion to her son Ben and her dedication to his care, affected the lives of hundreds of people in the Abilene community and the surrounding areas.

As faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Marianne loved attending church services and Bible class every week.  She dwelled in love.  She was a brave and selfless spirit who thought of others before herself.  She celebrated others’ victories, grieved with them in times of sorrow, and loved always.

Marianne loved spending time with her children, attending church activities, caring for her cats, volunteering at Kenley, learning to dance, and spending time with her dear friend, Barry Lombardini and his family.  She enjoyed attending local art shows, the philharmonic, and community lectures.  Marianne was always game for a new adventure and looked forward to her summer trips to Colorado with the “Texas Women”.  She was a talented artist, gifted writer, and devout Christian.

Marianne is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 38 years, Chet Kwiecinski, stepsons, Bill Kwiecinski and John Kwiecinski, and step-daughter, Mary Kwiecinski Longe.

She is survived by sons Ben Kwiecinski, Andrew Kwiecinski,  stepchildren Karen Kwiecinski Gauriello, Stepfan Kwiecinski, Ann Kwiecinski Taylor, Joan Kwiecinski Epstein, David Kwiecinski, Leah Kwiecinski Palafox, Dan Kwiecinski, Martha Kwiecinski DeNato, and close friend Barry Lombardini.