Marianne M. Ferrandino

Marianne FerrandinoApril 19, 1962 – May 13, 2025

Marianne Ferrandino passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 63. Born in Syosset, New York on April 19, 1962, she lived a life marked by fierce passion, enduring love for animals, deep family ties, and a spirited sense of humor.

She is survived by her children, Christopher and Danielle, and her brother, Vincent Ferrandino Jr. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Elizabeth and Vincent Ferrandino.

Marianne was a proud graduate of Syosset High School and an avid equestrian for much of her life. Her bond with her horse, Scooby Doo, was legendary among those who knew her. Together, they competed in dressage, forging a partnership defined by trust, determination, and unmistakable tenacity—once even completing a competition after breaking her ankle. More than a competitor, she loved sharing her passion for horses with her children, giving them pony rides and passing down the joy and discipline of the sport.

Marianne met Jack Schwartz, the father of her children, through her other great love: the ocean. A certified scuba diver, she met Jack when he was her diving instructor. Her love of water ran deep, something she always attributed to her father’s birthplace of Ischia, a small island off the coast of Naples. She was immensely proud of her Italian roots and held her heritage close, especially the memories of big Sunday family gatherings where the air was rich with the aroma of garlic, meatballs, and sauce. Her loyalty to her extended Ferrandino family never wavered, and she cherished her role among a wide network of cousins and relatives.

The water continued to be a source of freedom and joy throughout her life. She adored the beaches of Nantucket, where she and her family spent cherished summer days. The island’s bright hydrangeas—her favorite flower—always brought a smile to her face. We kindly ask anyone who comes across hydrangeas to think of her with a little smile in return.

Marianne loved traveling on the family boat, heading to places like Block Island, Newport, and the Connecticut coastline. She found magic in these sea-bound adventures, where she would collect seashells with her children until their bags overflowed.

Another place that held a sacred spot in her heart was Monterey, California. She loved to open the window to the sound of seals and could spend hours watching the sea otters play in the rocky surf. As her health declined, she often dreamed of escaping to Monterey’s shores, a place that brought her both solace and peace.

Animals were a constant source of joy in her life—especially her cherished Golden Retrievers. Whether it was deer jumping fences or bunnies in the backyard, she always found wonder in the natural world.

Marianne also loved to travel. From her early days as a travel agent to later adventures across Europe, she relished the process of planning and the thrill of discovering new places. She visited Italy, Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands, and found serenity in Vermont’s natural beauty.

Her love for food was another thread that ran through her life. She delighted in cooking and entertaining, famously hosting Christmas Eve dinners and crafting her signature lobster bisque. She was known to many as "the woman who owned the Flying Pig Cafe," a title she carried with pride. Her kitchen shelves were filled with cookbooks, their pages marked with sticky notes and scribbles, reflecting the creativity and care she approached food with. Her favorite pastry was a Rum Baba, and no morning was complete without her coffee.

Marianne also had a deep love for music. A lifelong fan of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen, she later became a devoted Ed Sheeran fan and expanded her roots outside of classic rock. She danced with joy - notably once to Flo Rida’s My House - and found peace in music’s rhythm and energy.

A gifted but private writer, Marianne composed poetry for her children that captured her emotional depth and creativity. These writings remain a treasured part of her legacy, revealing a woman who saw beauty in words and used them to express what mattered most.

Though she faced many personal struggles, Marianne's life was filled with vibrant moments, laughter, and a love that touched many. Her bold spirit, loyal heart, and unforgettable presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her.