Marie Helene Gibney Gibney Robertazzi

Marilyn Gibney was born to James A. and Helen L. Gibney (nee Coggins) on June 22, 1936 in Newark, NJ. She attended St. Leo's Catholic School in Irvington, NJ. At age 13, she went to Holy Angels Academy in Demarest, NJ. She was professed as a School Sister of Notre Dame after attending the novitiate in Baltimore, MD. She graduated with high honors from the College of Notre Dame. Sister Marie Helene was assigned to teach elementary and then high school in Bryantown, MD. In 1968, she was transferred to St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, MD where she served as principal for several years. Marie Helene continued her studies at Catholic University in Washington, DC earning a Master's Degree in Educational Administration (1969) and later a PhD (1978).

She became Director of Admissions at the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore and remained there for several years. After leaving SSND, having served 22 years in religious life, Marie Helene was hired at Georgetown University as the Associate Academic Vice President. Dr. Gibney was in charge of Academic Affairs. She worked at Georgetown for many years until her retirement.

She wasn't retired very long when she was asked to serve as Vice President at the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore. She enjoyed her time there and remained longer than she had agreed. She then retired again and would occasionally substitute at Pallotti High School and St. Mary's Elementary in Laurel.

Marie Helene was honored by the Order of the Sons of Italy for her work with the Italian Choir. She received the Ameritan Award in 2005.

Marie Helene Gibney and Michael Robertazzi have been married for the past 10 years. She loved to entertain and did it with ease. They have enjoyed many family gatherings, social events, and entertaining at their homes in Laurel and Ocean City, MD. Theirs was a match made in heaven.

She leaves her devoted husband Michael, her sister, Adele Baron, her step-children, Rita Robertazzi, Michelle Moneski, and Michael J. Robertazzi, grandchildren, Jordan Moneski and Caroline Robertazzi and many nieces and nephews.

Marie Helene was diagnosed with cancer in late December and fought valiantly through her illness with prayer and positive thinking. She was most appreciative of the many, many wishes, flowers and gifts received during her illness.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the DONALDSON FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 12, 2013 beginning at 11:00 AM at the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, 8402 Brock Bridge Road, Laurel, Maryland 20724. Interment will be private.

A scholarship fund is being set up in her memory at Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Contributions can be sent to: Notre Dame of Maryland University
Attn: Institutional Advancement
4701 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD. 21210