Marianne Steinbach

OBITUARY Marianne Regina Steinbach was born on August 4, 1938 in Wurzburg, Germany, the daughter of Johan and Afra (Mueller) Zierlein. Marianne grew up in post war Germany in a town which was heavily bombed. This made her tough as nails, but grew her great compassion for all around her. Friends and family describe her as ?Bubbly and Kind?. She was an advocate for the underdog. She was a gentle, loving, mother who always supported the decisions and choices of her children. She was a loyal and giving wife for 54 years. She loved her six grandchildren fiercely. Nothing made her happier than holding a baby or bouncing a toddler on her knee. Marianne enjoyed growing flowers and watching the animals in her garden. She loved to travel and see new places, and make new friends. All who encountered her bright light will dearly miss our fiery little redhead. Marianne was called home by the Lord on August 30, 2012 at the age of seventy-five years. She died at her home surrounded by her loving family after a hard and long battle with cancer. Marianne is survived by her husband, Raymond Steinbach of Alexandria; son, Thomas Steinbach and wife, Michele, of Sterling, VA; grandchildren, Zachary Steinbach, Hannah Steinbach, Holden Steinbach, and Claire Steinbach. Daughter, Monika Steinbach Leonard and husband, Scott, grandchildren, Sydney Leonard and Grace Leonard; siblings, Roman Zierlein of Wurzburg, Germany, Josef Zierlein of Meran, Italy, Elisabeth Zierlein Spahn of Toronto, Canada, Paul Zierlein of Wurzburg, Margarette Zierlein Huellet of Palo Alto, CA, Renate Zierlein Schmitt of Munich, Germany, Ursula Zierlein F�rst of Munich, Bernhard Zierlein of Kist, Germany and Gabriella Zierlein Mueller of Hanu, Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johan and Afra (Mueller) Zierlein; and one sister, Hildegunde Zierlein. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at St. Mary?s Church in Alexandria. Reverend Father Steve Binsfeld was the celebrant. Entombment followed in the church cemetery. Casket bearers included members of the Knights of Columbus. Memorials are preferred to the Douglas County Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net