Marianne N. Alden

Marianne N. Alden, 88, passed away on August 3, 2021. Born in Stuttgart, Germany on April 2, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Adolf and Maria (Umgelter) Neef. Marianne made her way to the United States at just 18 years old, when she traveled alone to settle in Springfield, MA, where she worked at a family bakery. It was in Springfield that she would soon meet her husband, Robert Alden, to whom she married in 1956.

Marianne and Robert settled in Granville, MA where they established their home and built their family together. Marianne was a staple in the Granville community, and will be lovingly remembered by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. For 29 years, Marianne and Robert owned and operated Granville’s Humphrey’s Garage. In that time, if you ever brought your car to Humphrey’s, it’s likely that you were greeted by Marianne’s joyful face and big personality.  

Marianne also worked at Pat’s Greenhouse in Granville for many years, patiently transplanting seeds, creating beautiful flower baskets, and chatting with anyone who stopped by. If you were lucky enough, you may have had the chance to be personally delivered one of Marianne’s famous homemade fruit stollens or a delicious soup, as she loved cooking as a way to show her appreciation to her friends and neighbors.

In her spare time, Marianne was very active in the Springfield Turnverein Club, where she cherished the opportunity to sing and share meals alongside her beloved club members. Marianne could often be found with her green thumb, tending to her garden and numerous indoor plants. She enjoyed going to the casino, relaxing by playing a board game, working on a puzzle, and enjoying an evening cocktail. Marianne was always happy to host her friends and family, cooking delicious meals, with homemade spaetzle and rouladen being some of her staples. She loved talking on the phone and sharing stories with whoever could lend an ear; and her infectious laugh is something you would never forget, as she was always ready to crack a joke or two.

Marianne was the true matriarch of her family, and she was the big-hearted, boisterous glue that held everyone together. To cherish her memory, Marianne leaves her husband of 64 years, Robert Alden; her daughters Susan Petersen and her husband Karl, Karen Peebles and her husband Rick and Barbara Marcotte and her husband Michael; her grandchildren Melissa, Joseph, Kyle, Ke-Andre, Jameson and Nicole; her great grandchildren Sarah, Lukas, Savannah, Ethan, Zoe and Dakota; along with her brother Dieter Neef and his wife Hanne, as well as her niece Tanja and her nephew Bernhard.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, August 9, 2021 from 4 – 7 PM at Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 11 AM at Silver Street Cemetery, Granville, MA followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Granville Federated Church Fellowship Hall.

Memorial contributions in Marianne’s memory may be made to Granville Federated Church, 16 Granby Rd, Granville, MA 01034. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com