Marie A. Skrzypchak

Marie Skrzypchak, 80, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life marked by perseverance, devotion to her family, friendship, and faith.

Marie was born on May 11, 1946, to Clara and Samuel Molinare. She grew up in Wausau, attending Holy Name Elementary and Newman High School before pursuing nursing at St. Mary’s School. She went on to become an operating room nurse at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, eventually overseeing the day-to-day operations of the operating rooms and helping ensure everything ran smoothly. She devoted 45 years to caring for others throughout her nursing career.

Marie was the mother of two daughters, Pamela and Melissa. As a single mother working full time, Marie devoted herself to raising her daughters, including providing the additional care and support Pamela needed. It wasn’t always easy, but Marie did her best to juggle these responsibilities in order to provide for her daughters who were her pride and joy.

Marie enjoyed time spent with her siblings, especially gathering around the table for holiday meals, reminiscing about years past and catching up on the latest happenings in one another’s lives. She also remained close with a group of friends from Holy Name Elementary School, affectionately known as the “Holy Name Girls.”

Marie loved to read, especially murder mysteries. She was a homebody at heart who enjoyed the comforts of home and, after years of early mornings and late-night calls to the operating room, especially appreciated being able to sleep in. She also had a special affection for Melissa’s dogs, whom she lovingly regarded as her grandsons.

Marie also had the opportunity to travel to places that held special meaning because of her family heritage. Among the most meaningful were visits to Poland, the country of origin of her mother, Clara, and Italy, the country of origin of her father, Samuel. These journeys gave Marie and Melissa the opportunity to share special experiences and create memories that Melissa will always treasure.

Marie’s faith in Christ was an important part of her life and brings comfort to those who loved her. While her earthly life included hardship, loss, illness, and limitations, her family finds peace in knowing that those things no longer define her. They trust that she is now in the presence of her Savior, restored and made whole.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Melissa; her siblings, David (Nancy) Molinare and Michelle Molinare; and other family members and friends who will remember her life and the many years they shared with her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Pamela; her parents, Clara and Samuel Molinare; her sister Jean (Eddie) Koury; and her sister Margaret Molinare.

For those who loved Marie, there is profound sadness in saying goodbye, but also hope in knowing that this goodbye is not forever. After a lifetime of caring for others and enduring the difficulties of this world, Marie is at rest.

She is reunited with those she has missed, especially her daughter Pamela and her parents, and has been given what this life could no longer give her: a body renewed and restored, free from pain and limitation.

No more sickness. No more sadness. No more struggle.

Now there is peace, joy, wholeness, and the presence of Christ.

Until we meet again.

A Memorial Service for Marie will be held at 12:30 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Highland Community Church, 1005 N 28th Ave., Wausau. Visitation will be from 11:30 AM until the time of service at the church. 

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolence may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.