Marie Bernice Merecki Suchyta

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

September 20, 1936 ~ October 16, 2025

Marie Bernice Suchyta (née Merecki), a cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully after a short illness, on October 16, 2025, in Salt Lake City, at the age of 89. Born on September 20, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, Marie’s life was marked by a profound dedication to her family, her faith, and her profession, and pride in her Polish heritage.

She met the love of her life, Robert Suchyta, in Detroit, Michigan, and they married at Saint Veronica Catholic Church, Detroit, in 1957. She gave selflessly to her four daughters and husband, creating a home, fond memories and legacy of faith. 

Marie embarked on a distinguished nursing career after graduating from the University of Detroit, Saint Francis School of Nursing and Henry Ford School of Nursing. She served as a nursing supervisor in various capacities, including in hospitals, home health care agencies and senior care facilities, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Her devotion extended beyond her professional life into her spiritual and community engagements. Marie was an active member of Saint Ambrose Parish in Salt Lake City and previously, Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City, plus churches in every city where she lived: Detroit and Jackson, Michigan; Cambridge, Ontario; Racine, Wisconsin. She was expressly involved in the Catholic Woman’s League, parish council, church decorating and liturgy committees and youth catechism. She received Woman of the Year at Saint Ambrose and her church in Racine. She was a Dominican Associate. Marie volunteered at the women’s shelter in Park City, receiving its Founders Award; prison ministry; soup kitchen; and the Park City Ambassadors. She attended both the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and University of Utah, pursuing a fine arts degree.  

Marie is survived by her daughters Mary Suchyta (Kelly Murnin), Sheri (Dave) Rasmussen and Jules (Daryl) Hoekstra; grandchildren Patrick Murnin (Ellena Keener) and Emily Murnin (Quin Vu); and sister Chestine (Bob) Edgar. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Suchyta; daughter Karen Suchyta; her parents Mary (Zak) and Chester Merecki; and her siblings Joan Swistak and Edward Merecki.

Services to honor Marie’s life will be held at Saint Ambrose Church, 2315 Redondo Avenue, Salt Lake City on Nov. 3, with a viewing at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, with a reception afterward at Saint Ambrose’s.