Obituary of Marie Kiss

Dr. Marie Satmary Kiss, age 89, of Fairfield, devoted wife to the late William X. Kiss, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017. Marie will be remembered by her children, Alexis Kiss and her companion Edward Kolagic, of Fairfield, Richard Kiss and his companion Gail Southard of Merritt Island, FL; three grandsons, Ryan Southard, Cory (Jeannette) Southard, Kevin Southard: great grandchildren, Riley, Tyler and Emily Southard; two sisters, Susan Thomas Bobbins and Sandra Thomas; several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.In addition to her beloved husband Bill, she was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Csizmadia Satmary. Her life passions included her family, friends, students, music, and animals, especially her Labradors and beagles. Born in Bridgeport, Marie was a lifelong resident of Fairfield. A Roger Ludlowe High School graduate, she continued her studies at Saint Joseph College and Louisiana State University, where she received her Bachelors and Masters in Chemistry, and at the University of Sarasota for her doctorate in Education. She was a research chemist for Remington Arms and Schick Safety Razor, as well as, a professor with Norwalk State Technical College before her retirement. She was a designated visiting scholar at Harvard University to study Environmental Chemistry. An accomplished violinist, Marie studied with Rachmael Weinstock of the New York Philharmonic. She served as the concert master for both the SHU and Wilton Orchestras. She also played with the Ridgefield Symphony and traveled to perform concerts in Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Greece with the Connecticut Chamber Orchestra. A member and past president for both the Wednesday Afternoon Music Club and Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Marie also served on their scholarship committees. She was the recipient of the SWE Fellowship Award for her outstanding teaching practices and was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health in England. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will take place on Friday 1115 AM in the funeral home and 12 PM in Assumption Church 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Her interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be direction either: American Parkinson Disease Association P.O. Box 718, Old Mystic, CT 06372 or American Lung Association 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108.