Stern, Marianne

Marianne Stern, of Blacksburg, passed away on Saturday, December 17. Maria Stefanie Stamm was born on December 19, 1918 in Furth, Germany. She sailed to the US by herself at age 17 due to the turmoil in Germany at that time. She received her B.S. in Education from New York University in 1945 & married VPI professor George Stern. After a brief honeymoon, the newlyweds arrived in Cambria, took the taxi ($0.50) to Blacksburg, & she stayed there ever since. After George’s death after 56 years of marriage, during which Marianne devoted herself to supporting her husband, raising their children & being active in many university activities (especially those involved with international students), Marianne continued her involvement in the university & community, staying active in numerous student, leadership & social organizations. She swam in the university pool three days a week, following her belief that an active body & mind enhanced the quality of life. She was a well-known & respected member of the community. People of all ages, religions & nationalities were attracted to her by her un-assuming, down-to-earth, upbeat personality. She raised one daughter (Jean Stern Fromberg) and two sons. She is survived by son-in-law Zach Fromberg of Chevy Chase, MD, son John Stern (wife Sharon) of Louisville, KY & son Roby Stern (wife Marianne) of Avon Lake, OH, nine grandchildren & fourteen great-grandchildren. A celebration-of-life service will be held in the War Memorial Chapel at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 19. A reception for family & friends will follow at the University Club. She always was surprised by the attention & support she received from folks of all ages during her later years. You can remember her in the years ahead by doing the same for other elders. She would have liked that! Other contributions can be made to the E. George & Marianne Stern & Jean Stern Fromberg Memorial Scholarship Fund at Virginia Tech. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.