In lieu of flowers, donations may be made honoring Marie’s lifelong dedication to feeding the poor at St. Patrick’s Parish Social Ministry Outreach, or to The Andrew Fisher Swim for The Future Scholarship Fund at Asphalt Green, committed to creating opportunities for talented swimmers with financial need, established in memory of her son Andrew, who was killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-st-patricks-outreach https://give.asphaltgreen.org/marie-fisher

Marie E. Fisher, 94, Mother to Many, Opera Enthusiast, and Bay Shore, NY Community Member of 71 years, Passes Away. Marie E. Fisher, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and longstanding member of the Bay Shore community, passed away on November 10th, 2024 at the age of 94. Known for her warmth, generosity, and fierce dedication to family and friends, Marie left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Born on June 5, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, Marie was the daughter of Raphael Gangale and Giovannina (Chiarello) Gangale, Italian immigrants who raised Marie alongside her siblings Nick, Mike, Frank, and Theresa (Tessie) Iovine. She maintained a strong connection to her Italian heritage, frequently visiting her family in her parents' hometown of Umbriatico and Perticaro—a place that remained dear to her heart throughout her life. Marie married John F. Fisher, a U.S.WWII veteran, with whom she built a vibrant and welcoming home in Bay Shore. They were married for 61 years until John’s passing in 2015. Together, they raised their children, John, Peter, Andrew (who died on September 11, 2001), Nina, Maria Fisher-Timson, and Christina. She delighted in her growing family, including grandchildren Katherine, Mia, Andrew, John, and her great-granddaughter, Frances. Marie was an accomplished seamstress and opera aficionado, deeply engaged in the arts. She was also an avid reader, gardener, and passionate traveler. Her legendary skill for hospitality shone in her role as a master entertainer and extraordinary cook, known for creating meals that brought people together and sustained countless friendships over the decades.

Marie was a pillar of her community, a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Bay Shore, where she served on the Parish Council for many years, worked at the Rectory as a cook, and volunteered at the soup kitchen every Thursday until the age of 89. Her progressive ideals were matched by her lifelong daily habit of reading The New York Times. Marie is remembered as a formidable woman and devoted friend, outspoken at times with a sassy humor. She shared a special and unique bond with her childhood friends from Brooklyn, Maryann Ellis, Mary Canaletti, and Anna DeBenedettis, as well as close friends Mary Timson, Edith Arellano, and many others. Marie had a gift for making friends wherever she went, a spark for connection that burnt fervently through her last days. She was a mother to many. She spoke her mind with clarity and conviction, uplifting those around her with her wisdom and strong opinions. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.

A wake will be held at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home in West Islip, NY on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, in Bay Shore, NY at 8:45 am on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Marie will be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery, Queens, NY.