Marianne Margaret Metz, devout Christian, gardener
Marianne Margaret Metz passed away peacefully and surrounded by family Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. A devoted wife, beloved mother, and grandmother, she was a friend to everyone who met her. Marianne had a special gift to make one feel like they were the most important person in a room or conversation. Her beautiful green eyes, warm smile, and small gestures always put one at ease. Heaven is now blessed with an amazing sunshine in the soul and spirit of Marianne.
Born in Los Angeles, Calif., Aug. 7, 1942, Marianne spent her early years in San Gabriel, Calif., before relocating to Philadelphia, Pa. It was in Philadelphia where Marianne began her modeling career, ballet, and college studies. She attended Ryder College as a liberal arts major and met the love of her life, Thomas Metz, at a freshman dance. They were married shortly after and raised four beautiful children together.
While raising her children, Marianne started a flower shop from the basement of the house in Rockville, Md., called The Saturday Bouquet. What began as a hobby and love of flowers turned into a thriving business. In the early 1990s, after relocating to Rehoboth Beach, Marianne was known as the Crabtree and Evelyn specialist. Given her knowledge of flowers and her friendly and warm personality, she built one of the highest-grossing retail stores on the East Coast of the United States.
Marianne’s love of Christianity and her deep faith in God led her to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, where she was an active member, ushering weekly and serving on the vestry. She spent time in various Bible study groups, as well as the Lewes and Rehoboth Association of Churches. This led to an involvement with the Community Resource Center in Rehoboth. Spending hours weekly in her garden growing vegetables, she would then drive and personally drop the fruits of her labor at the houses of those most in need in the community.
Marianne became a master gardener in her later years and won many awards. If you had a question about a plant or flower, she was the person to ask. Her seeds of kindness shined through her gardening and floral displays.
Marianne’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife, and nurturing mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Edna Ramseyer; and her beloved husband, Thomas Karl Metz. Marianne’s legacy lives on through her four children, Elizabeth M. Griggs (Bert) of San Diego, Calif., Christoper T. Metz (Kerry) of Delray Beach, Fla., Andrew D. Metz (Julie) of Rehoboth Beach, and Jessica L. Barrett of Jupiter, Fla.; her seven cherished grandchildren, Peter Griggs, Matthew Metz, Thomas Metz, Isabella Metz, Samuel Metz, Amanda Boessman and Alex Boessman; and her brother, Douglas Ramseyer (Karen) of Flower Mound, Texas.
Dearly missed and forever remembered, her faith, family, and community service will never be forgotten.
The family will gather privately for a Celebration of Life at St. George's Chapel, Harbeson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Episcopal Parish of All Saints’ and St. George's Chapel, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Visit Marianne's Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
