In Memory of

Marie

E.

Fleming

(Lisk)

Obituary for Marie E. Fleming (Lisk)

Marie Ella (Lisk) Fleming, 91, passed away peacefully in her Tolland assisted living home on Friday, October 22, 2021. She now joins her husband Merton Fleming.

Born in Manchester, CT to Gertrude (Pschichholtz) Lisk and Harold Lisk she was the third of ten children. She spent most of her childhood in Manchester and was a huge support to her parents in caring for her siblings and going to work at a young age after World War II. She took tremendous pride in the large family she came from and learned the importance of family and mothering from her folks and grandparents. Marie could be considered a poster girl for the “greatest generation” as a hard worker who never complained about anything and never judged others. She put the “great” in “Mother” as she was a great mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was a fierce advocate and supporter of her children and always put family first.

Marie met, and dated Mert, and they quickly committed their lives to each other by marrying in 1949. They lived in Manchester and Vernon but eventually settled in Tolland in a home that they built together. The family house on Gehring Road was the obvious place for large family gatherings where she hosted most Thanksgivings, Easters, and Christmases. She loved bringing people together and she embraced the sometimes circus-like atmosphere.

Marie was a very wise and strong woman who knew more than most about the natural world. She had a proficient knowledge of plants and animals and took tremendous pleasure in walking through the woods with her grandchildren. She could enlighten folks with her understanding about the medicinal qualities of plants, and the behavioral tendencies of many wild species.

She truly lived by The Golden Rule as her oncologist regarded her as a “Miracle” when she beat stage IV lung cancer at 80. Marie was a fantastic cook and baker but would act as though it were only natural. Her integrity and commitment were not limited to family and friends. Marie was also devoted to her work. Many would agree she was one of the hardest working and held a number of jobs over her long and abundant life. After starting her own family, and when her children were older, she worked at King’s Department Store and later worked with her sister painting and wallpapering houses. In her middle 70’s she took on yet another job at the Tolland Middle School as one of their kitchen staff.

Marie was an incredibly loyal friend and family member. Multiple generations sought her company and council because of her genuine personality and authenticity. She would not voice her opinion unless it was asked. She was always honest and her directness was balanced with a true compassion, a quick to laugh sense of humor, and openness. She had a lot of love to give and she delivered it in her own unique way. Many could claim that Marie took them in as her own. She always had an open-door policy.

Marie is survived by her three daughters: Wanda Dore, her partner, her children, grandchildren and great grandchild; Lindie Casey, her husband, daughters and grandchildren and Lowana Fleming, her partner and her daughters. She also leaves behind her sibling Lorraine Guegel of Manchester, CT and numerous nieces and nephews. Marie will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

Marie was predeceased by her husband Merton Fleming, and her sisters Anita St. Pierre, Irene Bragg and their spouses and her brothers William, Charles, Harold, George, Donald and Henry Lisk and their spouses.

A memorial will be held on Friday, November 12th at 11am at the Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, Tolland, CT. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.