Secondina Marie Poore

Secondina “Marie” Poore, a woman whose love shaped our lives and whose presence will forever remain in our hearts. She was more than a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend—she modeled compassion, comfort, strength, and wisdom, and she was our constant source of love.

Marie was born on December 22, 1932, in Flint, Michigan, to immigrant parents from Italy, Lucia and Loren Gioletto. From her earliest days, she learned the value of family, hard work, and faith—lessons that would guide her throughout her life.

She married Edwin “Bud” Poore on February 20, 1954, and together they built a life grounded in love, faith, and family. Bud predeceased her in 1999, but their love remained a guiding force in her heart and the foundation of the family she nurtured.

Marie is survived by her three children: Zoeanne (Karl), Gregory, and Rita (Edgar), and her only granddaughter, Dominique. She was a sister to Angeline (deceased), and sister-in-law to Lindarene (deceased), Joanne, Nancy (deceased), Beverly, and Bernice. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, and to all who knew her, she was a source of wisdom, comfort, and joy.

Marie lived her life as a reflection of her faith. She showed us what it meant to love selflessly, endure with grace, and trust in God even through sorrow. Her faith was steady and quiet, yet it was evident in her kindness, patience, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaned on God’s strength when her own felt heavy, and through that faith, she became a source of strength for all of us.

Mom was fearless, and that fearlessness shone through in everything she did. As kids, she and Dad pulled a trailer across the United States, showing us the beauty and wonder of the country. She rode motorcycles with Dad in California, drove a 30-foot motor home, and even went snow skiing in Austria and Bavaria with my Dad, brother, and me. Mom lived and traveled extensively throughout Germany and Europe from 1972–1979 and again from 1982–1986, exposing us to new cultures, foods, and experiences that shaped our lives forever. She was also deeply involved in her community and faith, being part of the Catholic Daughters in Redondo Beach, California, where she shared her time, energy, and heart with others.

Mom had a remarkable way of showing love. She did it through cooking special meals, baking cookies, cakes, pies, and breads, and serving beautifully presented dishes from different cultures. She poured care, precision, and love into everything she touched, making every meal, every gathering, and every moment feel special. She sewed beautiful dresses for me and my sister, Zoeanne, and taught us to notice and appreciate the beauty in life, in art, in food, and in people. Through her creativity, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail, Mom showed us that love is made tangible through care, generosity, and presence.

Out of the three children, I was the youngest and, admittedly, the most rebellious. But I always knew I had to be careful—not because Mom didn’t love me, but because she had a way of keeping me in line that I never forgot. She would jokingly warn me that if I pushed too far, she’d “snatch me baldheaded!”

Another time, right before we moved to Germany, I pulled one of my many adventurous disappearing acts. I honestly believed in my heart that I was grown—like my sister and brother—and that I had Mom’s keen sense of direction. So off I went, walking to the beach by myself with our dog Boots. I knew my surroundings and I knew exactly where home was—even though Mom and Dad didn’t! I can still picture the look on her face when she found me walking back home and discovered where I’d been. Needless to say, I was scolded—but lucky not to be bald. That was Mom: worried, loving, and always keeping her heart open to our independence, adventure, and occasional mischief.

She mixed her Italian old-country roots with Dad’s Southern heritage, creating a household full of colorful sayings, laughter, and lessons in life and faith. Those sayings, her humor, and her spirit of fun are part of the gift she left with each of us—memories that will bring smiles even in the hardest moments.

As a grandmother, Marie cherished her only granddaughter, Dominique. She somehow balanced the heartbreak of losing our dad and navigating 27 years without him, all while showing unshakable love for Dominique. She was strong on the outside but tender on the inside, never letting her own pain change the depth of love she had for her “sweet petootie.” That love was constant, unwavering, and beautiful.

Mom had a sense of humor that stayed with me throughout my life. Even in serious moments, she could make me laugh. Her quick wit, playful remarks, and even the way she would sometimes throw up her hands and say, “What the heck am I supposed to do now?” brought light into every room. That humor was part of her love—it reminded all of us not to take life too seriously, to find joy even in small moments, and to approach life with grace and laughter. Even toward the end, we could laugh together, and that gift of joy is something I will carry with me forever.

She also taught me invaluable lessons about life. She showed me how to stand strong in a marriage, be a good wife and mother, and live with integrity and grace. Yes, Mom and I clashed at times—our fiery independence sometimes collided—but that was part of the bond we shared. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and I am proud to carry her strength, humor, and spirit within me. Through it all, she never stopped saying “thank you,” and I felt blessed every single day to have her in my life for so long.

The love Mom received being here at home with us was a priceless gift, one we were blessed to share with her. That same love she bestowed upon others throughout her life began early—helping my grandma care for my uncle I never got to meet, but one day will. I am so thankful Mom spent her last moments at home surrounded by loved ones, cared for, prayed with, and supported by all who I love dearly. Although her presence will be missed, the love of others comforts me, my brother, and sister, and reminds us of the 93 years God gave Mom here.

I am eternally grateful to every single person who helped care for Mom. Without your support, I could not have done this alone. Mom experienced the dignity, love, and care that being surrounded by family allows. Thank you—Edgar, Dominique, and Edgar’s family; Betty & Rolando; Clara; Ruby & Marco—for showing such love and care to Mom, my brother, my sister, and me. I am also deeply thankful for two very special people we consider extended family: Jocelyn and Jamie, who love Mom and our entire family unconditionally. To friends and extended “family,” your kindness and outpouring of love have been a true blessing.

I cannot express enough gratitude for my husband, daughter, brother, and sister. God is so good, and His love is so very real—even through the hardest of times.

While our hearts are heavy, our faith reminds us that death is not the end. We trust in God’s promise of eternal life and know that Marie is now at peace, reunited with our dad, resting in God’s loving embrace, and free from pain. Her life, her love, and her faith continue to live on in each of us—in our actions, our choices, and the love we give one another.

Marie’s legacy is all around us: in the family she nurtured, the granddaughter she adored, the love she showed in every meal, every laugh, every journey, and in the faith she lived so beautifully. She taught us to love boldly, live fully, and cherish every moment God gives us.

We will miss her presence, her laughter, her strength, and her love more than words can express. But we carry her with us—in our hearts, in our memories, and in our faith. Secondina “Marie” Poore will always remain with us, until the day we are reunited in God’s eternal embrace.