Marian Fellin Bicking age 101, of Williamstown passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015.

Born March 2, 1914 in the coal mining town of Sheppton, PA, Marian Fellin Bicking has overcome many ups and downs to help her turn 100. Marian's relatives came from the small village of Revo in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy. Her father came to America at 16 years of age by way of a ship out of South Hampton (the same port as the Titanic) and landed at Ellis Island. He relocated to Sheppton and met Marian's mother.

In 1908, Marian's father was one of the founding fathers of the first and only Tyrolean Church in the United States. The church is Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Hazleton, PA.

Marion, along with her two siblings, were brought up on strong work ethics. She watched her dad work in the cold, dark, wet mines and her mother run the household, which included a working garden that supplied food for the family. Marian excelled in school and wanted to become a nurse but she was compelled to get a job after graduating high school to help support her family.

She did go to business school after high school and worked in the garment industry for many years. Marian also worked as a caterer for many years and was very sought after. She was in high demand to cater for private parties and people booked her months in advance to have her delicious creations.

Anything Marian has ever undertaken she has done with great passion and attention. She was a single mom and made the best possible life for herself and her son without asking for assistance. She belonged to the Tirolesi Alpini Club of Hazleton which kept much of the culture and traditions of the "old country" alive by preparing many traditional foods for its members.

After Marian retired she became an adult volunteer at the Arthur Street School in Hazleton. She helped in the classroom every day. Marian was recognized for her dedication in helping the children's academic growth, creating positive self-esteem and being a great role model.

With Marian's zest for life she has always had many friends. She loved to travel and has been to Europe as well as having cruised to Bermuda following her retirement. She was, and is still, interested in everything from politics to opera to sports of all kinds.

Marian could always be found knitting non-stop or doing word puzzles in the activity room at Juniper Village Williamstown all while keeping up with trivia and sing-alongs. The staff never tired of hearing Marian talk about "what life was like back then."

Marian was predeceased by her only child Robert J.. She is survived by her devoted family, daughter-in-law, Susan G. Bicking, Grandsons, Robert J. Bicking (Denise), Kevin J. Bicking (Pauline), Scott J. Bicking, Brian T. Bicking (Stacy),
cousin, Emma Balko, niece, Judith Gutleber (Richard), nephew: William Welsh (Lina), great grandchildren: Robert, Magen, Kevin, Brandon, Allison, Jenna, great great grandchildren, Lucy, June, Tyler, Ella, and Greyson.

Marian resided at Juniper Village in Williamstown for almost 11 years but never lost her love for the mountains. She often spoke of moving back.
Marian Fellin Bicking is a true "LEGEND" and a wonderful inspiration to all of us. Her beautiful soul helps to nurture the spirit of all who knew her.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass 11 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Church Of The Incarnation 240 Main Street Mantua, NJ 08051. Burial to follow at Wenonah Cemetery. www.smithfhmantua.com