BORN

1930

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home

2950 North Cobb Pkwy

Kennesaw, Georgia

Mary Dibling Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 27, 2017.

After 87 years of living a grand love story, Mary Margaret Bonifas Dibling was called home to God on Saturday, November 25, 2017. Throughout the course of her life-time, Marge shared her love of God with His people, using her gifts and talents to assist, support, nurse, serve, enrich, intercede, and enhance the lives of all she encountered. She was, first and foremost, a child of God. She was also an accomplished artist who worked in acrylics, watercolors, and oils, an author of 5 published books, an epicurean who deliciously fed the hungry, a gracious hostess and entertainer, a singer, an entrepreneur, a world traveler, a life-long learner, a fashionista, a prayer-warrior, and a collector of people.

Marge was born on March 27, 1930, the fifth of six children born Joseph F. and Armilla Catherine (Etzkorn) Bonifas, who preceded her in death. Her siblings were Marie T. Burns of Lima, Ohio (deceased), Beatrice E. Bohnlein of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Joseph S. Bonifas of Lima, Robert J. Bonifas, who died in infancy, and Thomas A. Bonifas of Lima, Ohio (deceased.)

A graduate of St. Rose High School in Lima, Ohio, Marge went on to complete nurses training at St. Rita's School of Nursing, becoming a registered nurse in 1948. She worked as a nurse at St. Rita's Hospital in Lima, in the US Army Hospital at Ft. Bragg, N.C. Marge then took a 26-year hiatus, staying at home and tending to the boo-boos of her four children. She took her Georgia State Boards and returned to nursing in 1981. She then worked at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA for two years. She then became a founding partner in Medical Temps, a private duty nursing service that she operated for 11 years. She was active in various in nursing organizations on a local, state and national level. She then became a Certified Case Manager and Nurse Consultant, retiring for the first time at age 70, and the second time at age 72.

On April 26, 1952, Marge married the man of her dreams and the love of her life, Dean R. Dibling in St. Rose Catholic Church in Lima, Ohio. They lived, loved, and laughed together through moves that took them to Ft. Bragg, N.C., Defiance, Ohio, Troy, Ohio, finally landing in what they called "God's Country" in Marietta, Georgia. Over those years, they welcomed four children, Ann Christine Dibling-West, Anthony D. Dibling, Patricia J. (Sean) Randall, and Julia M. (Paul) Duncan, who brought even more laughter to their lives.

In time they welcomed thirteen grandchildren; Lisa (Christopher) Easterwood, Katy (Michael) Chastain, Wendy (Justin) Pas, Kippy (Tim) Corrigan, Jennifer (Charles) Fleeman, Ashley (Jed) Minyard, Kelsey Randall, Connor Randall, Coleson Randall, Deana (Nicholas) Ham, Mary Margaret (Matthew) Small, Paul (Ellen) Duncan and Bonnie Duncan, who brought even more laughter to their lives and who were each her favorite. Great-grandchildren increased the hilarity exponentially and their numbers continue to grow, with a total of 25, with numbers 26 and 27 coming soon. They, too, are each her favorite.

On October 3, 2002, Marge's beloved husband of over 50 years, Dean, went to his eternal reward. She has missed him every minute of every day since. She has filled her time serving others in many ministries at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw, GA, most recently with the Siena Seniors. She has also provided food for college students at Kennesaw State University Catholic Center. She has waited patiently for God's good time, and is now happily dancing with her favorite partner in the Presence of the Lord.

The family will receive friends and family at the narthex of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at 1618 Ben King Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144 at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1st. A Rosary will follow visitation at 3:00 p.m. at St. Catherine's followed by The Holy Mass of Christian Burial at St, Catherine's at 4:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Winkenhofer/Pine Ridge Cemetery at 2950 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152. Following the interment, the family invites all family and friends to join them in celebrating Marge's life at a dinner and dance party to be held at The House at Pine Ridge Cemetery. It was her final wish that we all dance, live, laugh and love!

Flowers may be sent to St. Catherine of Siena or donations may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home at 760 Pollard Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30315.
Arrangements under the direction of Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, Kennesaw, GA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Dibling

Sponsored by Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of Mary?

Share a favorite memory you have of Mary.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Mary.

Describe a time when Mary made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Mary?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Mary.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Mary.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Mary.

What is something you learned from Mary?

Not sure what to say?

5 Entries

December 1, 2017

We got to hug Marge and speak with her in May on our first trip back to Georgia since moving to Florida five years ago. Our time together in St. Catherine's Traditional Choir with Marge and Dean is filled with great memories, including our Choir Gatherings at the Dibling Home with their wonderful Family! May we all be reunited again in God's Heavenly Kingdom. Love & Prayers, David & Connie Grubbs The Villages, Florida

November 29, 2017

D. G.

"Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted." My sincere condolences for your loss. Matt.5:4

November 29, 2017

Chuck Jonesboro

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one Mary. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.

November 28, 2017

Judy & David Brinson

Dearest family our love and prayers are with each of you.

November 27, 2017

Lewanda Hardy

Marge inspired me to love bigger, give deeper, and be of service whenever possible. Her Christian walk modeled the woman I aspire to be, a spiritual warrior, a dedicated mother, and a tireless friend. Each little deed was thoughtfully finished with her special style and panache. She was a gift, a light, a masterwork. What an honor to be counted among her friends.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Mary Dibling's name

Memorial Events
for Mary Dibling

Dec

1

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

1618 Ben King Rd, Kennesaw, GA

Dec

1

Rosary

3:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

at 1618 Ben King Rd, Kennesaw, GA

Dec

1

Mass of Christian Burial

4:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

1618 Ben King Rd, Kennesaw, GA

Funeral services provided by:

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home

2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152

How to support Mary's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Dibling's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more