Marianne J. Kolf

Marianne J. Kolf, 94, of Ridgefield, CT, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of the late Joseph P. Kolf Jr., with whom she shared over 50 incredible years of marriage.

Born Marianne Josephine Conlon on May 4, 1930, in Boston, MA, she grew up in Malden, MA, before marrying Joe Kolf in September 1951. In 1963, they settled in Ridgefield, where she raised their seven children on Gilbert Street. She filled their home with love, laughter, and the irresistible aromas of her home-cooked meals. A self-taught cook with an undeniable gift, she generously shared her talents, cooking and catering for St. Mary’s Parish and the Diocese.

Marianne had a deep love for family and an open heart that made everyone feel like they belonged. She could often be found on the phone checking in on her siblings and loved visiting them in California and Rhode Island. Despite being a mother of seven, she opened her home’s doors to her children’s friends and families, treating them like her own.

Marianne was predeceased by her parents, Mary R. Conlon and Edward R. Conlon, her five siblings, her darling husband of nearly 50 years, Joseph P. Kolf II, and her youngest son, Thomas F. Kolf. She adored and is survived by her children and their spouses; Maryann and Ed Paradise, Michele “Micki” Kolf and Dennis Pontenella, Barbara “Barbie” and Jim Kenney, Joe and Bunny Kolf, Betsy and Fred Pambianchi, daughter-in-law Jennifer T. Kolf, and of course, her beloved Grace Ann. She reveled in the joy of her 15 grandchildren who lovingly called her Nana; Erin Carney, Jeni Tobin, Kendall Paradise, Ryan Pambianchi, Michele Filgate, Emily Pambianchi, Matt Kolf, Rebecca Keogh, Colin Filgate, Brendhan Kolf, Kaylee Kolf, Bridget Kolf, Briana Kolf, Mike Kolf and Josie Kolf, as well as their spouses and partners. She also doted on her 14 (and counting) great-grandchildren; Bridget, Megan, and Jack Carney, Jack, Molly, and Joey Tobin, Ryan, Henry, Katherine, and Teddy Pambianchi, Luke and Emma Keogh, and Wells and Jay Jay Pambianchi. She enjoyed being a Great Nana, especially when the newest generation would visit her and Grace.

Summers on Martha’s Vineyard were some of her happiest times, along with nights spent playing games—where she may have bent the rules, insisting she was simply following "Boston rules."

Over the years, the gatherings with her siblings were rowdy and fun, memories shared with multiple generations. She was always eager to try a new restaurant, especially with her best buddy, Gracie, by her side, and she never missed the chance to rave about a newly discovered wine, Talbot's purchase, or the most recent accomplishments of her loved ones. She worked tirelessly until age 84, a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication - and perhaps her stubbornness! Marianne’s warmth, openness, and steadfast love defined her, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her youngest daughter, Gracie, was undeniably her greatest love. From the moment Gracie was born, Marianne devoted herself to raising her daughter within a loving family, ensuring she enjoyed a life filled with warmth and opportunity. Those who knew them both can attest to the profound and precious bond they shared.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Ridgefield.

Contributions in Mrs. Kolf's memory may be made to SPHERE Inc. - PO Box 1136; Ridgefield, CT 06877, or online at http://www.spherect.org.

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