Marie V. Kokinda, 85, of Holmdel passed away Monday afternoon, surrounded by her family.

Marie was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. She attended Holy Family Grammar School, Lew Wallis High School and Indiana University Extension. She began dating the love of her life, John; was proposed to outside of her church on a snowy night; and the two were married on July 28, 1956. In 1960, they moved to New Jersey, starting in Metuchen, ultimately settling in Holmdel to raise their young family where they lived happily for 54 years.

Marie was an excellent cook; her cooking being influenced by her Polish descent. She loved to cook for everyone around her. When a new family moved into the neighborhood, she would always cook something. If someone lost a loved one, she would always make a meal for their family.  On her children’s birthdays, each got their favorite meal and cake made for them.

Marie loved to dabble in art and became very good with pen and ink drawing, which she would make on card stock and send to friends and family. She and her family loved to travel all over the country, visiting national parks and camping.

Marie is survived by her loving husband John J. Kokinda, her children Diane Kane (Bill), John Kokinda Jr., Cyndi Denig (Russ), Lise Rod (David), Dan Kokinda (Sandy), her grandchildren Bill (Nilda), Kevin (Christine), Jennifer (Daniel), Rikki (Kristen), Tiffany, Tyler, her 7 beloved great-grandchildren, her brother Ron (Deb) and brother-in-law Paul (Dorothy).

Marie is predeceased by her siblings, Dorothy and John.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 21^st from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered Monday, March 22^nd at 11:00 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, 108 Middletown Rd, Holmdel. An entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Salesian Missions at Salesian Missions – International Relief for Children