Marianne Gail Koon Friel, 62, of Westover, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. She was born July 10, 1958, in Rochester, Pa., a daughter of the late George David Koon, Jr. and Mary “Lottie” Newbraugh Koon.
Marianne is survived by two sons, Erick Friel and wife Michelle, of Kansas, and Evan Friel, of Indiana; two sisters, Debbie and Becky and four brothers, David, Jim, Paul and John; grandchildren, Emily Friel, Erick “E.J.” Friel and Evelyn Friel, along with many nieces, nephews and various extended family members.
Marianne was one of the original members of the Gospel Singing Koon Family. Starting out at the young age of 8 singing with the family, Marianne has used her voice to serve the Lord wherever she was at that moment. She was blessed with the talent of playing several instruments and wrote a couple of songs. Affectionately know as “Nanny,” she loved spending time with her family and teaching the young ones special things. When she obtained the title of “Granny Nanny” she was overjoyed. Her heart was full whenever she spent special time with them. Nanny continued spreading that love to so many nieces and nephews. Marianne was blessed with many talents. She loved to draw, paint and do calligraphy, to name a few. In her love of cooking, she passed down many of her “secrets” on how to make meatballs, summer stew, the rice dish and so many more.
When Marianne had to enter Stonerise Morgantown, she accepted the challenge and continued to share her talents with other patients and staff at the facility. She wrote encouraging notes, shared a prayer and pushed forward with a happy attitude (even on the bad days). Nanny loved her Spruce Street Church family. It was hard when she could not attend in person, but she used the things she learned and heard to encourage others at the facility.
Flowers are welcome but those desiring can make donations in Marianne’s memory to McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road, Westover WV 26501, to assist with funeral expenses.
Friends may call at Kingdom EMC Church, 540 Fairmont Road, Westover, from 4-8 p.m., Monday, June 7, and from 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 8, until the 11 a.m. funeral service, with Pastor Kevin Cain officiating. Burial will follow at Arnettsville Cemetery. McCulla Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences:
www.McCullla.com
