Marguerite Gonce

          On June 21, 2024, our family lost our matriarch, Marguerite Gonce, just two months shy of her 100th birthday. She and her husband George were founders of Gonce Funeral Service, and she was licensed by the State of Maryland as a funeral director. Marguerite served as the first female President of the Maryland State Funeral Directors Association. She was extremely classy, a little bit sassy and very diplomatic. A fellow funeral director once said, “Marguerite could tell you to go to hell, and make you look forward to the trip.”

          Along with her husband George, she traveled to every corner of the globe, meeting Royals, presidents and a Pope. She made every bit of her time on earth count. A devout Catholic, Marguerite had a deep devotion to the Lord. As a longtime member of the St. Jane Frances Church, she worked on countless events from Fashion Shows to the yearly St. Patrick’s Day bazaar. Indeed, she knew how to throw a party. All of her family loved her. Just speaking to her could make you feel better.

“To be near her was to be in the presence of joy.”

          Marguerite Gonce was the beloved wife of 74 years to George J. Gonce, Sr. She was the devoted mother of George J. Gonce, Jr. and wife Chickey, Donna Znamirowski and husband Jerome, Richard Gonce and wife Elaine, Beverly Gonce, Gregory Gonce and wife Laura, Mark Gonce and wife Laurie; loving Muma to grandchildren Jerry and wife Chanessa, Gina and husband Sal, Eric and partner Maria, Lance and partner Steven, Heather and wife Mandy, Adam and wife Jessica, Emily and husband Donny, Brad, Sabrina, Kara and Ricky. She was also blessed with great grandchildren Violet, Lily, Ava, Teagan and Donald.

          Our family would like to thank the Brightview staff for their wonderful care, and the many residents who were her dear friends, and to her extended family at St. John Parish who welcomed her and helped her every Sunday.

          Family and friends may visit Gonce Funeral Service P.A., 169 Riviera Drive, on Thursday (June 27, 2024) 3 to 8 PM and Friday 10 to 11 AM. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Jane Frances Church on Friday at 12 noon. Marguerite will be laid to rest with her husband George in Holy Cross Cemetery.

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