09/07/06 - NNHS Newsletter -
Debbie Buchanan Mariniak

 Deborah Buchanan Mariniak
(07 June 1952 - 06 Sept 2006)

Newport News High School Class of 1970

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   

   There is more sad news this morning.   Debbie Buchanan Mariniak of the Class of 1970 passed away yesterday morning.


  From Johnnie Bateman ('68) of VA - 09/06/06:

Carol,
 
I got this in my E-mail today (I had two classes in 69-70 year). Debbie was in the Class of '70.
 
Johnnie Bateman

   Oh, Johnnie!  What tragic news!  Thank you so much for letting us know.

 


From Brenda J. DePaula ('70) of VA to the Class of 1970 - 09/06/06 - "Death of a classmate":

Just wanted to let everyone know that Debbie Buchanan Mariniak passed away this morning about 10:30. I'll send additional information as I get it.

Brenda
 


From Brenda J. DePaula ('70) of VA to the Class of 1970 - 09/06/06 - "Death of a classmate":

Yesterday morning I received this email from Debbie's son. It pretty much says everything. I'll send additional information as I receive it.
--
Brenda
__

Today is September 3rd, 2006....I just wanted to drop all of our friends a little letter to inform you all that Mom will soon be in a better place. As most of you know, she has been in a tough battle with cancer, and her battle is about to end. She is in good spirits and resting peacefully. We feel so fortunate to be able to have the last few days to tell her how much we love her. I am sorry that we have not been able to contact everyone in person but it has been a trying time for all of us. Those of you that have been able to see her, I know that it has made her feel so blessed. If anyone that is reading this has not been able to see her and would like to see her before she fades, then she is in room 208 of the Sentara complex in Hampton. I would like to thank all of her friends for being there for her and for the support that you all have given...

Thank you so very much...
God bless!!!!

Dave Mariniak Jr.
 


From the Daily Press - 09/07/06:

          Deborah Buchanan Mariniak
 
 
 
GLOUCESTER - Deborah Buchanan Mariniak, 54, wife of David Joseph Mariniak Sr., died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006. Arrangements by Andrews Funeral Home.

Published in the Daily Press on 9/7/2006.
 

From the Daily Press - 09/08/06:

          Deborah Buchanan Mariniak
 
  GLOUCESTER - Deborah Buchanan 'Nani' Mariniak, 54, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, in Hampton CarePlex. She was a native of Halifax County and was the daughter of the late Leonard and Dora Owen Buchanan. She attended St. Therese Catholic Church in Gloucester and had worked at the Dutton Post Office for the past six years. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, David Joseph Mariniak Sr.; her son, David Mariniak Jr. and his wife, Brenda, of Gloucester; her daughter, Amanda Pack and her husband, Michael, of Gloucester; a brother, Carol Buchanan of Hampton; and was Nani to her loving grandchildren, Dayton and Reighan. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, in St. Therese Catholic Church by Father Jim Cowles. Burial will be in Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, Va. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. G. Edward Mowry, 7274 Joseph Lewis Road, Hayes, VA 23072. Funeral arrangements are by Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va.

Published in the Daily Press on 9/8/2006.
Guest Book

Debbie Buchanan
 
 
 
 
Dear David and family:
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Kevin has been upset since hearing the news. He really thought a lot of your mom. You are in our prayers, and hearts. May God bless you and keep you in this time of great sorrow. If you all need anything please don't hesitate to call.
In Christ's love;
Kevin & Kris
Kris & Kevin Ashberry (Mathews) - September 7, 2006
ksashberry2@aol.com
 
Very sorry to hear about your wife Dave; have not heard anything about it before.
Colin Faison (Newport News, VA ) - September 7, 2006
 
 
My thoughts and prayers are with Debbie's family and friends. I went to school with Debbie. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

God Bless,
Kathy Cooper
Kathy Cooper (Newport News, VA ) - September 7, 2006
kathycooper1@cox.net
 
Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
CHARLES / JOYCE ANDERSON (MARION, NC ) - September 7, 2006 
ANDERSCHRL8@AOL.COM
 
Dear David & Brenda,
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. You both have been through alot in the past couple of years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda & Hank VanGieson
Brenda VanGieson (Gloucester, VA ) - September 7, 2006 
 
 
I am deeply saddened to hear about Debbie.
Butch Downey (Gloucester, VA ) - September 7, 2006  
Butch.Downey@mail.house.gov
 
Big Dave and family,
Nick and I were lucky to have met you and Debbie. Debbie was so much fun to be around. We will always have great memories of her, especially her smile.
Aimee Olwin (Prince George, VA ) - September 7, 2006 
 
 
First I want to thank David Jr. for emailing & letting us know about Debbie; & Brenda for calling me on my cell because we still didn't have phone service after Ernesto.
I am so grateful I got to see Debbie one last time & say goodbye.

We go way back to grammar school,
NNHS, & even softball.

I will always remember my 1st date with Debbie's 1st cousin in 1968, when she was lined up with his roommate (David) for the 1st time; because I was afraid to go alone. Who knew that they would be married 36+ years & have two beautiful children & grandchildren.

I have so many fond memories: Watching "Laugh In" at Debbie's, labeling the food in David & Wayne's refrigerator, Debbie getting busted for driving David's Corvett (we both got in trouble for that one, Debbie for fibbing & me for not knowing to fib), going to Manteo, NC & running around like children (which Debbie & I still were) with David & Mary Riesbeck & even dumping crabpots into the bottom of David's boat from the James River.

Debbie was an exceptional person with great joy in her life. May the wonderful memories help you in this time of sorrow.

My deepest sympathy to all the Buchanan & Mariniak family members.
Carol Anne (Comer) Cutler (Gloucester, VA ) - September 7, 2006 
 
 
Dear David and Family,
Debbie was a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of knowing her in high school and graduating with her in 1970. May god be with you during this sad time, but you must know that she is resting now and at peace.
Belinda Fortner Langston (Newport News, VA ) - September 7, 2006 
belindalangston@cox.net
 
David, Mandy and David, Jr.
We were so sorry to hear about Debbie. It is a terrible loss for all of you but just remember that she is not suffering and in a much better place. We will always remember the good times we had as neighbors. Please take care of yourselves and know we are keeping you in our prayers. With much love
Mel and Carol Janke (Axton, VA ) - September 7, 2006 
 
 
 I was so saddened to hear of Debbie's passing. I went to school with her and will always remember her wonderful smile and sweet spirit.

May God Bless at this difficult time.
Bill Wolfley (Hampton, VA)  - September 7, 2006 
Contact me
 
I knew Debbie in high school; she was such a wonderful person. I can still see her smile!
Your family is in my prayers at this very difficult time.
Duska Bailey Saunders (Newport News, VA) - September 7, 2006 
 
 
I was saddened to hear the news this morning. Debbie was my cousin and I will miss her greatly. All of my sympathy goes to the family and if there is anything anyone needs please call me.
Patricia Seegraves (Newport News, VA) - September 8, 2006  
Contact me
 
David & Brenda,
You know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time and always. Heaven has accepted another Angel into the fold, and Debbie now sits in glory with Gay, watching over us all. For that we are blessed. Much love to you all.
Sherrie & Jared
Sherrie Miller (Williamsburg, VA) - September 8, 2006 
 
 
Dear David and Family,
We were sorry to hear about Debbie. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mike and Linda Starnes
Mike and Linda Starnes (Newport News, VA) - September 8, 2006
 
 
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Debbie was always a "shining light" in the NNHS class of 1970, and I'm sure this continued throughout her life. May the Lord's peace be with you always.
Ella Davis Adams (Kingwood, TX) - September 8, 2006
Contact me
 
Dear David and family
We were sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. We both went to school with her and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Wilton and Paula (Willis) Jordan (Georgetown, SC) - September 8, 2006
Contact me
 
Debbie's smile lit up the world and we will miss her. She was a former schoolmate of mine and friend and I can still hear her soothing laugh. We join the family in their sorrow.
Roberta Hilsdon (Atlanta, GA) - September 8, 2006
 
 
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I work with Mandy and she always talked about her Mom's beautiful smile and fun loving personality. I know how sad you must feel, but please take comfort in knowing Debbie is at peace now. She has left you with such wonderful memories to cherish and help you through this difficult time. If you need anything, please call me.
Carol Buddenhagen (Chesapeake, VA) - September 8, 2006
 
 
Dear Mandy--

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. It's been a long time since we've seen each other, but I wanted to express my condolences. You and your family are in my prayers.

Many Blessings,
Beth
Beth Yurkovac (Naples, FL)  - September 8, 2006
Contact me
 
DEAR MANDY, I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM. SHE HAS ALWAYS HELD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART....MY OTHER MOM. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER SMILE AND LAUGH AND OF COURSE, THE 'JERKY' SHE MADE ME. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ALWAYS, YOUR FRIEND, DAVID
DAVID HILDENBRANDT (HAYES, VA) - September 8, 2006
 
 
DEAR MANDY AND FAMILY, I WAS SO SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT DEBBIE'S PASSING. SHE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. LOVE TO YOU ALL, DONNA
DONNA WELCH (SUFFOLK, VA) - September 8, 2006
Contact me
 
To David, Little David, and Mandy, Know that Debbie and I will always be here for you and the kids. Words cannot express how much Debbie will be missed. Ya'll know she meant the world to us and all who ever met her. May she rest in peace. We Love Ya, Man...
David & Debbie Joyce (Newport News) - September 8, 2006
Contact me
 
I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful woman. I hope that this finds a special place in each and everyone's heart that Debbie has touched along her way.

May God be with you at your time of need.
Denise Drummond (Mallonee) (Hampton, VA) - September 8, 2006
Contact me
 
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
http://www.ruthann1.com
Denise Drummond ( Mallonee) (Hampton, VA) - September 8, 2006
 
 
We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts go out to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
John and Alice Oldfield (Gloucester Point, VA) - September 8, 2006 
Contact me
 
Please know that your friends and extended family at Lowe's are praying for you all during this very difficult time! God Bless you all. Lowe's of Williamsburg
Linda Torres (Newport News, VA) - September 9, 2006 
Contact me
 
Good bye to a wonderful friend. I loved you and will miss you a lot, from meeting at Winn Dixie to laughing in Wal-Mart. No more suffering or pain. God bless the family. Cheryl Robinson
Cheryl Robinson (Gloucester, VA) - September 9, 2006  
Contact me
 
Dear David, David Jr. and Mandy,

I was extremely saddened to hear of your loss.

I had known Debbie since the third grade. Her infectious laugh and uplifting smile were the same back then as they were throughout her high school and adult years.

Debbie was so very kind to all those she met and had such a generous spirit.

I remember being so happy to run into her after moving to Denbigh and finding out she lived just around the corner. We spent many an hour together back then as you, David Jr. and my son (Matt) played together on your Alberta Drive living room floor.

I particularly remember, over one of our many glasses of ice tea, we had a long conversation about death (we must have really been in touch with our own mortality on that day). She spoke with such wisdom and I remember telling her I thought she was an "old soul", had already learned all of God's life lessons that so many of us still had/have to learn before we can return to our maker. She laughed that infectious laugh of hers and gave me a little wink.

Debbie will always be remembered for the loving wife, mother, Nani and friend she was and she will continue to live on through you, her children and grand children as you are the best part of her.

To her family, know that you are held close in thought and prayer by those who knew and loved her and by those whose life she touched.

David, David Jr. and Mandy, when you look at the stars know they are her eyes, shinning down upon you, helping to guide you through this most difficult time. The rain that touches your skin is the tears she cries at your sadness of missing her physical presence. The sun that warms you is her love that continues to envelop you and the breeze that ever so lightly brushes your check is her spirit that whispers, I am still here. I did not leave you.

With prayers,

Barbara Carper Bane
Barbara Bane (NN, VA) - September 9, 2006  
Contact me
 
Debbie:
You will be sadly missed by your brother and me. You were always our shiny light and would always listen to whatever we had to say. Thank you for making us part of your life and bringing so much joy to us. I will never forget the time that I lost my father and you called me to give me strength when you were suffering yourself. WE LOVE YOU DEBBIE!!!!
Jeanne Buchanan (Yorktown, VA) - September 12, 2006
 
 
David, David Jr. and Mandy
I am sorry to hear about your loss. My grandmother told me the other day. Debbie was a special person to us all. My prayers are with all of you.
Kerri (Kathy) Mitchell (Philadelphia, PA) - October 5, 2006  
Contact me
 
David and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Debbie's passing. I met her and your family while she and my sister, the late Deputy Sheriff Kathy Mitchell, played softball with Carol Comer and the rest of the team. I remember when they played at Sedgfield School and other places in Newport News with the pretty, bright red uniforms. Debbie was such a sweet, kind and friendly young lady. Of course, over time we all have gone separate ways, but people like Debbie, you never forget.
I extend my sincerest and heartfelt condolences to each of you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Beulah M Davis (Williamsburg, VA) - October 23, 2006   
Contact me
 
David: I just found out about Debbie from Marylee today. Even Rosie didn't say anything about this when I talked or e-mailed her. I am so sorry. Keep in touch sometime. Love, Brendan
Brendan Gamble (Colonial Heights, VA) - December 17, 2006
Contact me
 
Dear David and family,
So sad to hear of the loss of your "life's companion". Received the note with Rosie's Christmas card. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Margaret Mariniak Rinaldi (Westminster, CO) - December 20, 2006
Contact me
 
 
 
 

   Our sincerest sympathies are extended to Debbie's entire family and and all their many friends.


   This information is also posted here:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/SITE-MAP.html   

     http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam-all.html

          http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam70.html


  Y'all take good care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!

                          Love to all, Carol

==============================================

NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

==============================================

Carol Buckley Harty
219 Four Ply Lane
Fayetteville, NC 29311-9305
910-488-9408


Abide with Me

Words by Henry F. Lyte, 1847
Music by William H. Monk, 1861


Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.


Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.


Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.


Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.


Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.


I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.


I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.


Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.



"Abide with Me" midi courtesy of http://www.mommydearest.com/midi.html - 06/01/06

"Abide with Me" lyrics and available history courtesy of http://synergy_2.tripod.com/lyrics/abide.html - 06/01/06

Image of "Christ Carries His Cross" Painting courtesy of http://family.webshots.com/photo/2199478760015913979jJFtmX - 11/17/06

Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04

Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of http://gregolsengallery.com – 03/15/05

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