Marie Regina “Jean” Tenda

Kill Devil Hills – Marie Regina “Jean” Tenda passed away May 20, 2015 at the age of 81. Originally from West Virginia, Marie was born and raised in Clarksburg (Glen Elk) by her parents, the late Sam and Rosie Ciancio.

Marie married Frank Tenda in 1953 and had three daughters; Diana, Roseann and Alicia.

Marie loved to cook and bake and was famous for that Sunday dinner of fried chicken and spaghetti and meatballs and sometimes lasagna too. We always looked forward to our birthdays and her homemade cakes.

Marie was a stay home mom.  Once the girls were older she went to work at Eagle Glass and Paint Co. for 10 years.  After that, she worked for five years at Smitty’s making pizza. After her daughter, Diana moved to NC, Marie visited and fell in love with the ocean, beach combing for sea glass, and fishing. After her grandson was born, she finally moved to NC.

Marie got involved with Holy Redeemer Church and sang in the choir for many years. She finally had to retire from singing due to throat problems. She joined the Ladies by the Sea group and crocheted many prayer shawls for the church. As her health declined, Marie enjoyed assembling puzzles, which she glued and then donated to the church bazaar to sell.

Marie loved the Outer Banks. She enjoyed her home and sitting on her front porch, watching the neighborhood, taking little walks around the block with her beloved Hugo, and watching her flowers- especially her roses, grow. Family was our mother’s life; her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved us unconditionally, fed us and watched us grow.

Marie was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Frank Tenda and her daughter, Roseann Talkington. She was also preceded in death by three brothers; Joseph, Ralph, and Sam Ciancio and one sister; Connie Herrick.

Marie leaves behind to cherish her memory and celebrate her life, two daughters; Dianna Virgil (Fred) and Alicia Tenda and T-Bone, five grandchildren; Tomas and Matthew Virgil, Marshall, Clayton and Franke Jo Talkington, two sisters; Rose Marie Gates of Melbrae, CA and Eleanora Thomas of Phoenix, AZ, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish in Kitty Hawk June 19, 2015 at 10 am. A celebration of her life will follow the mass in the church fellowship hall.

The family encourages donations in Marie’s name to be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.