Marie Sophie (nee Luberski) Litvinas passed away into Eternal Life with her loving family by her side on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at the age of 97. Marie was a princess in the eyes of her children, and a queen in the eyes of her loving husband of 58 years. She was a beloved mother, devoted daughter, caring sister, loving aunt, admired grandmother and great-grandmother, and a friend to all.

Marie was born on October 11, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Theofolis Adam Luberski and Sophie (nee Rychlak) Luberski. She was raised with three brothers and a sister in Bridesburg, in a close-knit neighborhood of Polish and Lithuanian families. Marie graduated from Frankford High School and worked at the Frankford Arsenal providing logistical support to the Army, and then a financial institution in Center City. Marie met Edward Litvinas in her neighborhood, growing up just one block from each other. They began a courtship after high school and in 1945, they were married at Saint John Cantius Church while Edward was still in active duty in the US Army Air Force. Following his service, Edward and Marie bought a large plot of land in St. Katherine of Siena parish where they laid the foundation for not only a family, but a five-bedroom house. Old photos show the happy couple smiling in their overalls as they held shovels and poured cement for the basement. Their hard work paid off with a beautiful home on Aubrey Avenue and over the next fourteen years God blessed them with a son and five daughters.

While her husband was building his manufacturing business, Marie juggled raising six children while also managing the office and bookkeeping for the business. Her faith was strong and she was especially devoted to Saint Therese of Lisieux and would pray her novena for special intentions. Her keen interest in serving the community drew her to establish the CYO group at St. Katherine's, which remains successful to this day. She also served as a Girl Scout leader for 17 years, during which she organized meetings, camping trips, badge projects, and service trips. Several times she even utilized their garage as the Girl Scout home base, in which the family would unload a cookie-filled tractor trailer to supply local troops. Later, during her daughters' enrollment at Villa Joseph Marie High School, Marie hosted dozens of successful fundraisers to benefit the Sisters of Saint Casimir, including the annual "Moana" Hawaiian-themed fashion show.

In 1966, Marie was invited to join the Torresdale Women's Committee, a diverse philanthropic group of women residing in the area. During her fifty-year tenure with the group, she served as Chairperson several times, organizing countless endeavors that raised funds for families in need. She also volunteered as Chairperson of the Torresdale-Frankford Country Club's Entertainment Committee. Along with a group of talented and dynamic women, the committee planned exciting and unique events for the members. At the Club, the family enjoyed Crab Nights, Father-Daughter Dances, Brunches with Santa, New Year's Eve celebrations, NYC bus trips, Pool Parties, a Women's Amateur Golfing Championship, and a parade and fireworks display celebrating the end of the Gulf War in 1991. Marie also chaired a special event at the Philadelphia Zoo that successfully benefitted the Blessed Margaret of Castello Maternity Home. Ed would quietly attend the festivities, smiling and marveling at how his wife's planning would come together seamlessly one event after another. Following years of philanthropic ventures, Marie was proud to be honored by the Soroptimist International of the Americas organization for her contributions to the community.

Marie enjoyed the camaraderie and competition among her bridge partners and hosted weekly practice sessions at her home. Later, a book club developed among close friends and the monthly meetings became fun social events, filled with book discussions and planning the members' next novel or biography.

Marie and Ed were adventurous parents that took their children across the United States and Canada. Their escapades began with a humble tent, followed by a pop-up camper, and finally a Winnebago. As the kids grew older, the family moved to a larger home closer to St. Katherine's, where from the kitchen window, Ed could see the stately brass cross he created for the top of the Church entrance. This home, with the beautiful gardens Marie tended to, would later be central to the family's constant celebrations, including Christenings, birthday parties, graduation festivities, and even a wedding. Their annual Christmas Eve party became a cherished event, filled with treasured traditions, caroling, and the exchange of Oplatek wafers.

Marie's class, unique style, and attention to detail never stopped influencing her children's fashion sense, and they will definitely miss her on-the-spot outfit critiques. Marie had a keen interest in her children's and grandchildren's activities and sometimes peppered conversations with her unbridled honesty. Her grandchildren, who knew her as "Nan," were her pride and joy. She admired their self-confidence as they followed their dreams, found true love, married, and carved their own paths in life. It was a special blessing for Marie to celebrate the birth of eight beautiful great-grandchildren. Always interested in the latest endeavors of her "grands," she relished one-on-one conversations with them all. Just last week, she advised her oldest great-grandchild to "shoot for the stars" as she embarks on applying to colleges.

In her final days, Marie continued to set an example of class, grace and dignity. She tried to prepare us before she passed into Eternal Life, advising us to always love one another and to always be kind. We vow to continue our devotion to family, tradition, and the community. In true Marie fashion, with a wink and mischievous smile, we raise a glass of champagne in her honor. The legacy of love that she imparted with us will dwell in our hearts forever.

Marie is survived by her son Christopher Litvinas (Cathy), and daughters Judith Brogan (Kevin), Cynthia Szczypiorski (Edward), Pamela Gadsby, Patricia McGarvey, and Sally Litvinas. She will be dearly missed by grandchildren Ryan Brogan (Diana), Sean Brogan (Mary Ellen), Ashley Brogan (Roy Arjoon), Edward Szczypiorski (Hilary), Joshua Szczypiorski (Alicia), Marisha Voras, Matthew Litvinas (Mary), Melinda Shaw (Erick), Kara Smith (Bobby), Matthew McGarvey (Colleen), Samuel McGarvey (Danielle A.), great-grandchildren Madyson, Londyn, Natalie, Bridget, Charlie, Adalin, Andrew, and Elena and many nieces and nephews. Marie was pre-deceased by her husband Edward Litvinas and sons-in-law Lawrence Metz, Michael Gadsby, and Matthew McGarvey.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 9:00 to 10:45 AM followed by her Eulogy and funeral mass at 11:00 AM, both at St. Katherine of Siena Church, 9700 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Marie Litvinas to Blessed Margaret of Castello Maternity Home , P.O. Box 361, Bensalem, PA  19020.