Marie Dandrea Obituary

Obituary of Marie C. Dandrea

Marie Carmella Dandrea (Lepore), 96, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. She lived a long and vibrant life marked by deep faith, strong friendships, and an energetic spirit.

Marie was born on November 29, 1929, in Camden, New Jersey, to Samuel and Rose Lepore. She attended Cooper B. Hatch Middle School and later graduated from Camden High School. She eventually met the love of her life, Peter "Petey" Dandrea, and the two married and began building a life together in Buena, New Jersey, where they raised their three sons.

Marie was closely involved in her children's schools and local youth programs. She volunteered at Our Lady of Victory during their early years and later, alongside her husband Peter, established an association at Sacred Heart High School that supported its athletic programs. The two were also active in running the Buena Braves Athletic Association, supporting student athletes in the community.

Marie worked as a substitute teacher before dedicating herself to raising her family and building their family business, Dandrea Produce. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes and spent summers operating the packing line for Vlasic Foods.

Marie and Peter later founded the St. Padre Pio Shrine in Landisville, New Jersey. The inspiration came during a business trip to Italy in 1997 to procure chestnuts, when they visited Padre Pio's tomb in San Giovanni Rotondo. Deeply moved by the experience, Marie returned home determined to create a place where visitors could pray, reflect, and find comfort. Built on the Dandrea family farm and completed in 2002, the shrine remains a welcoming place for all.

Marie never met a stranger and rarely missed a chance for conversation, laughter, or bringing people together. Her unmistakable presence made her the heart of many gatherings. She organized weekly rosaries, prayer groups, and fundraising events. She had a special fondness for Philadelphia, frequently visiting and contributing to the "Pink Nuns", St. John Neumann's shrine, and Saint Rita's shrine.

She loved her family fiercely. One of her greatest joys was enthusiastically supporting her grandchildren at many sporting and family events.

Marie is survived by her daughter-in-law, Sandi Dandrea; sons Steven Dandrea (Mary) and Frank Dandrea (Donna); grandchildren Lauren (Alex), Peter (Danielle), Deanna, Adam, Ali (Jonathon), Bridget (Connor), and Jana; great-grandchildren Liam Ronald Dandrea, Kaia Castellani, and Stevie Dandrea; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter Dandrea; her son, Ronald Dandrea; her brother, Angelo Lepore; her sister, Annie Filippone; and her parents, Samuel and Rose Lepore.

The Dandrea family would like to extend a special thanks and acknowledgment to the volunteers, donors, and dedicated members of the Padre Pio Shrine community, and especially to Sandi, Deanna, Adam, and Ali Dandrea for the loving care they gave "Mom Mom" in her golden years. The family also wishes to thank the many dear friends who visited, called, and spent time with Marie-notably Jeanette, Tina, and Sue. Your friendship brought her great comfort.

A church visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at St. Michael's Church, 504 West Avenue, Minotola. A funeral mass will follow at 12:00 p.m., with burial at Our Lady of Victories Cemetery, 201 E. Delaware Avenue, Landisville.

Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Padre Pio Shrine in Landisville, NJ; the Daughters of Mercy at Villa Rossello; or the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters ("Pink Nuns") in Philadelphia. Contributions may be mailed, in care of: 363 Brookfield Street, Vineland, NJ 08361. And please note "In Memory of Marie Dandrea"

ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360

To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com