Marie M. Bithron, 96, of Wimauma, FL, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024. A native of Lares, Puerto Rico, she had resided here since 2001 coming from Ormond Beach, FL. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission, Wimauma; the Red Hat Society; Kings Point Tennis Club and sang in many different choirs in Kings Point. She is survived by her husband, Charles; sons, Charles (Mary Jane) Bithorn, Jr., Joseph (Monika Nerger) Bithorn and Edward (Mary) Bithorn; daughter, Susan (Jimmy) Rizzo; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 22, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission. The family will receive friends from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Southern Funeral Care, Riverview, with a Prayer Service at 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, National Kidney Foundation or Multiple Sclerosis Society.
I have the privilege of speaking to you about the life of Marie Gonzalez Bithorn, my Mom, loved by so many, she left this world on April 18, 2024. She was an absolute force of nature who overcame challenges and hardships that would have sidelined most.
Marie was born in Lares, Puerto Rico on September 12, 1927, the second child of her parents, Geraldo Gonzalez and Petra Torres Gonzalez. Her older brother Jerry, and younger sister Carmen, who was born four years after Marie, only had their parents for a short time. You see, at that time, life in Puerto Rico when you are of very limited means and living in an area known as “El Fungito”, which translates into “The Mud”, does not provide much comfort. Still, because of the love and discipline provided by their parents, Marie, Jerry and Carmen grew up with an expectation that if you wanted a better life it starts with hard work. Little did they know how much harder it would become. You see, when they were in their teens, both their parents died within four months of one another, leaving them to fend for themselves. Through their struggles they became as close as any siblings could ever be. Their childhood and adolescence had come to abrupt stop.
In order to survive, as soon as he was able, Jerry joined the military during World War II to support his younger sisters. Meanwhile Mary and Carmen cleaned houses and did whatever menial tasks to allow them to have food and shelter. It was out of this that each of them developed the traits that carried them through their lives.
Eventually, after reaching her older teen years, Marie left Puerto Rico, coming to New York City where she attended high school at the same as taking a job - - after lying about her age, so she could help pay the bills. Life was different for her in New York City in the 1940s. She graduated high school and then took a job where she excelled as a bilingual secretary.
Not long afterwards, a certain tall, dark, and handsome man named Charlie Bithorn spotted this spectacular looking young lady. Little did he know that dating her could only occur if he overcame two nearly immovable obstacles, the first being older brother Jerry, who was beyond protective of his little sisters, and the second, Marie’s own ability to play hard to get. Her rebuffing of Charlie’s advances was so effective that he wound up getting fired after calling nearly 100 phone lines trying to find where Marie worked. He almost gave up when he uttered to her the line “nuts to you“.
Well, thank God for the sake of their eventual four children, Charlie could be tenacious as well. Marie eventually gave in and they began dating, eventually becoming more serious, all out of the watchful eye of Big Brother Jerry. As the relationship blossomed, Charlie proposed and Marie accepted - - even Jerry gave in. So with the blessings of the people most close to her, her siblings, they wed on May 5, 1951. Marie’s sister Carmen was her maid of honor.
Settling into life as a married couple can come with little surprises. The first was a daughter, Susan born in 1953. Next up was a son Charles Junior, born 1954. Keeping the yearly tradition alive, another son Joseph was born 1955. Apparently, a coffee break was in order since it was not until 1961 that a son Edward was born.
Naturally, the demands of raising a family temporarily interrupted Marie’s vocational life, but after this brood was old enough to be semi responsible, she went back to work as an executive secretary and personal assistant to one of the finest musicians on the planet, the cellist Pablo Casals. Marie even assisted in the arrangements in which Pablo Casals performed at the White House for president John F Kennedy. Her skill, determination, and integrity were beyond reproach. Years after her employment with Festival Casals, she was employed in other capacities at similarly high levels.
Marie never met a challenge she would shy away from. Besides success in the workforce, her joy of music with the successful accompaniment of her husband Charlie had this dynamic duo performing before many happy adoring fans. Always obvious was the joy that Marie and Charlie had singing together, which exemplified their love for one another. Mind you, Marie did not have the training that Charlie had as a musician, but if there was a song to be sung or a microphone in the vicinity, it would wind up in Marie’s hand. It was either her natural confidence or Charlie‘s belief in her that allowed her to become the performer she was.
In addition to her musical prowess, this 4’11” (although she always thought she was 5 foot), diminutive titanium willed woman, turn to attention to the game of tennis. There, she would happily accept challenges from players who were typically younger, more physically able, and more often than not, men. With glee, she would make every one of them regret that they stepped onto a court with her. She always remained kind as she embarrassed them with her play, walking off the court with a glint in her eye and a smile on her lips saying “nice game you played well”. The woman was fearless.
As life forged ahead, her children pursued their own careers, having many of the same qualities as Marie. Susie worked in the airlines and the travel industry for many years. Chucky and Joey became extraordinarily talented and successful musicians in their own right. And Eddie, became a highly regarded trial lawyer. Marie was always encouraging and proud of everything her children accomplished. They all went on to marry and Marie was blessed with many loving grandchildren. They all adore her and know full well what it means when you have the Gonzalez genes running through your bloodstream. It means you take pride in who you are and how you carry yourself in everything - - no whining, no shortcuts. That was her.
Time passes way too fast, but within the years that Marie has graced this earth, the amount of friends and family that she touched, and had the most special relationships with, are countless. She was simply the best wife, mother, aunt, cousin, friend. If you knew her, you would agree. If you didn’t, you would’ve wished you did.
Her many accomplishments included participation in many charitable organizations and events. Marie and Charlie were New Yorkers who left in the 90s as they both retired looking for a better life in Florida. They seem to have found it spending many years in their home in Kings Point, Sun City Center. Although it is heartbreaking for her husband, Charlie, children, Susie, Chucky, Joey, and Eddie, as well as each of her grandchildren, we all are comforted in knowing that she is at peace. The gift of her love and the lessons of her existence have shaped all of us. With gratitude and adoration we recognize we are so fortunate to have been a part of her life.
Previous Events
Visitation
20
Apr
10510 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578
Prayer/Wake Service
20
Apr
10510 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578
Funeral Mass
22
Apr
16650 US-301
Wimauma, FL 33598
