Marian Cecilia Garneau

Marian was born in Cleveland, Ohio and adopted by Bernard and Grace Szczytkowski (surname later changed to Sitt). She joined the United States Air Force right out of high school. She met her future husband, Joe Garneau, at a Catholic youth event in Cheyenne, Wyoming while both were taking Air Force training. She married Joseph E. F. Garneau at the age of nineteen on February 9, 1952, the same day she graduated high school. Marian and Joe lived in Europe and the United States while raising their seven children – the family joked that each child was a 'permanent souvenir' from each duty station. The Garneaus were former residents of the following locations: Rhode Island, England, Germany, France, Florida, and Alaska. Marian and her husband moved to Colorado in 1967 and lived in Northglenn for 46 years. Marian and Joe were married for 60 years until Joe's death in 2012. Mother of Marie Genz (d), Joseph E. F. Garneau Jr. (Robin), Michele Garneau, Monique Garneau, Paul Garneau (Mia), Ed Garneau (Denise), and David Garneau (Vicki). Beloved by 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, cherished as a sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, godmother, and friend. Preceded in death by husband Joe, daughter Marie, and granddaughter Crystal. After her service in the US Air Force, Marian worked for the United Bank of Denver, the Cherry Creek Water District, and Sovereign Companies. While working full-time, she earned her Associate's Degree in Data Processing from the Community College of Denver-North. She and Joe were founding members of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Northglenn, from way back in the ""St. Leroy"" days. Marian was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7502 Ladies' Auxiliary, dedicating countless hours to serving others in the IHM, Northglenn and surrounding communities. She worked with fellow IHM parishioners to pay for the new IHM Parish Center one bingo game and pickle sale after another. She was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America, serving as scout leader and devoted volunteer. She was a proud booster parent of the Northglenn High School Marching Band for twelve years and a surrogate mom to an entire generation of Northglenn High School students. Marian worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the Transportation Committee during Pope John Paul II's visit to Denver during World Youth Day in 1993. Marian also provided hundreds of hours of service and assistance as a volunteer hospitality ambassador during construction of and inauguration of the brand-new Denver International Airport. Marian's love knew no bounds, and her hobbies and passions were just as limitless. She made her best effort to attend every school function, every game, every play and concert, every parade, every milestone and accomplishment of her children, her grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren. She was incredibly creative, sewing handmade prom gowns and wedding dresses, baptismal gowns, Halloween costumes, and everything in-between. She made winter clothing for cancer patients, donated rosaries and prayer cards to parish families, prepared food for funeral receptions, mended band uniforms just in time for a performance, hosted large family gatherings to celebrate any event, whether monumental or ordinary. Whenever anyone came to town, Marian insisted that everyone – and she meant everyone – join the celebration with a spaghetti dinner at the Garneau home on Melody Drive. She always put her loved ones first, treating every occasion as special and every person in need as the highest priority – she showed her love by giving all of herself, her compassion never ending. Marian's love for her family reflected her love for God. She was an example of selflessness, good humor, strength, hope, and faith. She set her Catholic faith as the foundation for everything in her life, drawing on her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the model for service, generosity, and compassion. Always eager to care for everyone, she was best known for opening her home to friend and stranger alike: she firmly believed that ""there is always room for more, and never room for less."" Funeral Mass and reception will be held on Monday, April 11th, at 10:00AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 11385 Grant Drive, Northglenn, CO 80234. Services will conclude with a burial with military honors at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Pavilion B at 2:30PM. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to: Garneau Memorial Fund, c/o Michele Garneau, 12911 Grant Circle West, Unit A, Thornton, CO 80241 for seminarian support. You may leave condolences in the guest book.