SOUTHWICK – 
Marian Albernaz Vanasse, 93, of Southwick, MA died peacefully on April 14, 2020. She was born in Fall River, MA to Mary and Manual Albernaz. She leaves her daughters Eileen Lagasse, of Windsor CT, and Florence Bischoff, of North Granby, CT, and sons Peter Vanasse and his wife, Pam, of Savanah, GA and Chris Vanasse, of Southwick, MA, 6 grandchildren, Eric Scammons and his wife Heidi of Southwick, Melissa Bischoff and her husband Jon Brett of Denver, Colorado, Gregory Bischoff of Spencer, MA, Jeffrey Vanasse of Bristol, CT, Betsy Pannizzo and her husband Petey of Savannah, Georgia, and Matthew Vanasse of Westfield; 4 great grandchildren, Brady and Emme Scammons, Luca and Leo Pannizzo. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Jean Paul Vanasse, her sons-in-law, Walter Lagasse and Gordon Bischoff, and her sister Florence Burks.
Marian met her husband at the ballroom of Lincoln Park in Dartmouth, MA. Their love of dancing continued through their 65 years of marriage, with both ballroom and square dancing. She worked for Hamilton Standard for 15 years and served as President and Vice President of the Holy Rosary Society of Our Lady of the Lake Church, Southwick, MA where she worshiped. She traveled extensively with her family, even traveling by car with a 2-year-old infant to California to visit her sister’s family. Her parents migrated from the Azores, and she was able to visit there in the 80’s and tour the towns of her heritage.
Singing was a big part of her life and she taught all her children the songs from her early years. A major collector, Marian showcased her jewelry, music boxes, and collector plates at Heritage Woods Assisted Living, where she resided prior to her passing. She enjoyed reading her many magazines and books by her favorite author, Mary Higgins Clark. Being a generous person, she was always willing to help anyone in need, even if it was a possible scam. She felt if it was, its on them, but if they really needed it, she felt good to support them. Her biggest strength was being such a devoted wife and mother. She loved her family unconditionally and supported them in all their endeavors. She always said her life was full because she had such a good family.
Private services will be handled by Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, Southwick, MA. Contributions can be made in her memory to Our Lady of the Lake Church, c/o Improvement Fund ,P. O. Box 1150, Southwick MA 01077.
