Marie Andina, Longtime Local Resident, Passes Away At 74

Written by Karl Andina, Marie Andina's son

Marie Andina, a longtime resident of Zephyrhills, Riverview, and Valrico, passed away on Thursday, May 11 in Zephyrhills, FL. She was born on Flag Day-June 14th, 1942, in Queens, NY. She was preceded in death by her father Albert Schneider in 1993, mother Anna Schneider in 1997, and daughter Kory Lee in 2009. She grew up in Bellerose and Deer Park, NY, graduating from Babylon High.

Marie studied art and illustration at SUNY-Farmingdale, NY. She met Norman, her future husband, while they worked at Airborne Instruments Labs in Farmingdale, NY. A strong courtship was followed by their marriage on March 14, 1965. They enjoyed many trips on their Harley motorcycles in the New York / New England area.

Living in Hauppauge, NY for 24 years, they raised their children Karl, Lara, and Kory Lee. Marie earned her teacher’s certificate from SUNY-Empire and worked as a teacher’s assistant for Special Needs students at the Hauppauge Middle School. She was also a Substance Abuse Counselor. Marie was very active in Boy Scout Troop 343 as a Scout Master’s wife and earned her Wood Badge training beads.

Following a change in Norm's employment in 1989, the family moved to Valrico, FL. She had a wonderful spirit that could light up a room. She devoted much of her time and energy to her family, loved ones, and daughter Kory who left us too early at age 34. Marie had life time love and passion for all sorts of crafts and paint media. Her skill and talent will be remembered. She also loved teaching or helping anyone who asked.

Her abilities were varied and would provide instructions in almost any craft from painting, sketching, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. Hobby Lobby and Michaels were some of her best shopping locations and the Sunday ads were required reading. She enjoyed making lap robes and baby blankets and donating them to Hospice. She was an active member of several art clubs and was the chairperson for the Craft committee at the Tropical Acres Estates.

She is survived by her loving family---husband of 52 years, Norman, son Karl (Nancy), daughter Lara (Anthony), grandchildren Zachary, Harrison, and Savanna, step-grandchildren Sean (Katie) Smith and Shannon (Michael) Brandow. Sisters Patricia Shultz and Kathy (William) Lane, niece Linda (Jerry) Paradise, and nephew Brad (Amy) Cormier. She also has three great-grandchildren (Keira, Sullivan, and Ender) and 6 grandnieces and nephews (Heather, Connor, Emma, Aidan, Jack, and Kathleen)

A celebration of life will be planned in New York during July and in Florida during October.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 37439 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525.

Photo courtesy of Karl Andina