Marianne A. Van Drisse

Marianne Van Drisse passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 7, 2026. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 9, 1924, she was the only child of Joseph and Sarah Van Drisse.

All who knew her benefitted from her kindness and her knowledge. She made it a point in her life to pass on advice, books and articles that might help everyone she knew. Her encouragement and support for her friends and family never failed. She was keenly aware of the importance of family ties, history and heritage. With a wonderful sense of humor, grace and style, she was a cherished part of so many lives.

The first 29 years of Marianne’s life were spent in service to the Sisters of St. Josephs of Carondelet, followed by 30 years as manager of a charitable trust. She taught High School students in St. Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO and Indianapolis, IN. Her teaching career culminated in her return to her hometown of Green Bay teaching and in Administration at St. Joseph’s Academy. She chose to leave this rewarding vocation to personally care for her aging mother, Sarah, giving her full and loving attention and the very best care until she passed away.

Marianne has been a member of each of the Board of Trustees at the Our Lady of Charity Center, The Catholic Foundation, Sacred Heart Seminary, American Foundation of Counseling and at St. Norbert College. St. Norbert awarded her the President’s Medal in 1998, in recognition of her professional, public and personal life. She was invited to become a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in 1996 by Most Reverend Cardinal Joseph Bernardin from Chicago, IL.

The Catholic Women’s Club benefitted from Marianne’s leadership as President. She was one of the co-founding members of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. Other groups she found time to be involved with include the Heritage Hill Foundation, Serra Club, Green Bay Symphony Board and Guild, Lac Baie Girl Scout Council, Humanitarian Committee of Fort Howard Paper Company Foundation, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center Board.

Over the years, Marianne truly enjoyed working at Paul’s Pantry, reading and most especially travelling. Her most life changing experience was to participate on an archeological dig in Jerusalem in 1968. She was impressed with the resiliency of the Israelis and Arabs working side by side at the dig, not far from the reminders of the Six Days War. She has travelled around the world with very good friends as companions, finding rich experiences and vivid memories of these beautiful places.

One of Marianne’s most memorable experiences that brought her joy and made her laugh often, was early in her career, subbing as a Kindergarten teacher of over 60 students.

In 2001, St. Norbert College conferred an Honorary Degree upon Marianne. Not long after that, in 2005, St. Norbert also awarded her their Distinguished Service Award for all her efforts on their behalf over the years. Marianne has stated that “Education gave me a true appreciation of the vastness of our world and an eagerness to learn as much about it as possible. Learning never ceases, and in my teaching years I hope I succeeded in stimulating students to explore, study and absorb as much of our God-given world as possible.”

Marianne will be very deeply missed by her many family members, friends and their families.

Family and friends may visit at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Allouez, on Friday, March 27 from 9:00am until 10:30am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am. Cotter Funeral Home is providing assistance with the funeral.

Per Marianne’s wishes, memorial gifts should be directed to the St. John’s Homeless Shelter, Brain Center or Resurrection Parish.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the incredible caregivers who made Marianne’s stay at home comfortable: Jody, Jane, Betty, Laurie, Denise and hospice nurse Ashley.