SALEM - Mrs. Marianne Canillas, 98, of Salem, beloved wife of the late Manuel Canillas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 14th, 2023 with her loving family by her side.

Born in Germany, she was the daughter of the late Franz and Maria (Kopka) Fidika and was raised and educated in Germany. At the age of 16, Marianne became separated from her parents and family because she had to be admitted to the hospital for surgery. Upon her release from the hospital, Marianne was unable to return to her loved ones because of the war. She was taken in by a family and Marianne remained with them until she married and immigrated to the United States. Settling in Gloucester, MA where she and her husband raised their family.

A strong, feisty, independent women, there wasn't much that Marianne couldn't do. She enjoyed taking care of her own yard work, she loved to spend time in her garden and accomplished many household projects on her own. She enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and would always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Marianne was an avid knitter who made many blankets over the years which she shared with family and friends. Many of those blankets are still being used to keep loved ones warm. Marianne will be fondly remembered for her quiet nature, love of family and willingness to help others and will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends.

Surviving Marianne are her daughters, Anita Armell and her husband, Donald of Salem and Rhonda Canillas of Hampton, NH, her grandchildren, Shila Duffy and her husband, Todd of Wrentham and Darci Militello and her husband, Sam of Plaistow, NH, her great-grandchildren, Tate Duffy, Shea Duffy, and Flynn Duffy all of Wrentham and Benjamin Militello and his wife, Brooke of Wareham, Riley Militello, Julian Militello, and Sophia Militello all of Plaistow, NH. She was also the sister of the late George Fidika, Helmut Fidika and Paul Fidika.

ARRANGEMENTS: At the request of the family all services are private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.