Marie Bernice (Merecki) Suchyta's Obituary
Marie Bernice Suchyta (née Merecki), a cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully after a short illness, on October 16, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 89. Born on September 20, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, Marie's life was marked by a profound dedication to her family, her faith, and her profession, and pride in her Polish heritage.
She met the love of her life, Robert Suchyta, in Detroit, MI, and they married at Saint Veronica Catholic Church, Detroit, in 1957. She gave selflessly to her four daughters and husband, creating a home, fond memories, and legacy of faith. She made sure that there was always time for learning and engagement activities, like the library, zoo, beach, museums, road trips, and camping. Marie was the heart of her family – the matriarch, caregiver, and “mom to all.” Her door was always open, her humor ever-present, and her love unconditional. There was always room for everyone who needed a place of welcome, at her table.
Marie embarked on a distinguished nursing career after graduating from the University of Detroit, Saint Francis School of Nursing, and Henry Ford School of Nursing. She served as a nursing supervisor in various capacities, including in hospitals, home health care agencies, and senior care facilities, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to caring for others.
Her devotion extended beyond her professional life into her spiritual and community engagements. Marie was an active member of Saint Ambrose in Salt Lake City and previously, Saint Mary in Park City, plus churches in every city where she lived: Detroit and Jackson, MI; Cambridge, Ontario; Racine, WI. She expressed her faith by involvement in numerous church organizations, in board positions, including the Catholic Women's League, Parish Council, Church decorating and liturgy committees, and youth catechism. She received Woman of the year at Saint Ambrose and her church in Racine. She was a Dominican Associate. Marie volunteered at the women's shelter in Park City, receiving its Founders Award; prison ministry; soup kitchen; and the Park City Ambassadors, among others.
A true Renaissance woman, Marie's personal life was enriched by her hobbies, which included painting in watercolor and oil (and she dabbled in dozens of media including clay and woodcarving, cake decorating and floral arranging), needlework, sewing, gardening, cooking and baking (she knew all the best bakeries!), and interior decorating. These activities reflected her creative spirit and her passion for beauty and learning, which she pursued throughout her life. She attended both the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and University of Utah, pursuing a fine arts degree. She loved movies and music and poetry, and had easily watched thousands of movies, knew the lyrics to thousands of songs, and had dozens of poems memorized.
Marie is survived by her daughters, Mary Suchyta (Kelly Murnin), Sheri (Dave) Rasmussen, and Jules (Daryl) Hoekstra; grandchildren, Patrick Murnin (Ellena Keener) and Emily Murnin (Quin Vu); and sister, Chestine (Bob) Edgar. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Suchyta; daughter, Karen Suchyta; her parents, Mary (Zak) and Chester Merecki; and her siblings, Joan Swistak and Edward Merecki.
Services to honor Marie's life will be held at Saint Ambrose Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a viewing at 10 am followed by a Mass at 11 am on Monday, November 3rd, 2025. An interment ceremony will take place after Mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Saint Ambrose. O'Donnell Funeral Home in Salt Lake City, Utah, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Marie's legacy of kindness, generosity, and service to God and others leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her life exemplifies a profound commitment to her family, her faith, and her community, making her memory a beacon of inspiration and love.
The family would like to thank Dr. Schilling and staff, and Intermountain Health for all their care.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Marie’s name, to the charity of your choice, following Marie’s example. And indulge in your favorite bakery item, paying homage to Marie!
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"
- Erma Bombeck
Marie wrote this poem that she had wanted to share with everyone:
Farewell Song
"I bid you farewell
Not with the wave of a
hand
But with a breath of Love.
What's left of me Lies
Somewhere in the crevices
of your mind.
a dream, an illusion,
a nightmare.
The substance of mist.
a sunlit pond.
The fragrance of a flower -
a babies [sic] smile
First light of dawn.
The echo in an empty
forest.
The spirit of God,
embracing a painful body.
Joy of resurrection.
Not the end.
Just an interruption
in time
A life of the unknown,
But with everything new.
A kiss of the Holy Spirit
desolving [sic] away the grave
stone.
Love,
Marie
What’s your fondest memory of Marie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marie?
Share a story where Marie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marie you’ll never forget.
How did Marie make you smile?
