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Passing of Marianne Speiser of New Hope

Marianne Speiser, 73, of New Hope, died on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Doylestown Hospital.

Born in New Jersey, Marianne was a resident of New Hope since 1964.

Marianne spent her professional years as a marketing and public relations professional who generously shared her talents with the town she loved, New Hope. She previously served as the Director of the New Hope Tourism and Information Center, where she dedicated herself to promoting New Hope and the surrounding area. Marianne was a key contributor to the success of many local events and charity fundraisers, including most recently serving as a founding artist of the New Hope Film Festival.

In addition, Marianne was a talented musician and gifted songwriter. She sang and played piano and guitar. She could often be found where other local musicians gathered to make music — places like Chez Odette’s and John and Peter’s. Marianne was a beloved member of the New Hope community. A dedicated mother and grandmother, Marianne was devoted to her family, her neighbors and friends.

Marianne is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Nancy Speiser Jacobson and Alan Jacobson; her grandchildren Gabrielle and Nicholas; her sister and brother-in-law Joanne and Mark Drexler, and her larger extended family who will all miss her very much.

Services will be private.

Donations in Marianne’s memory may be made to A Woman’s Place, 225 W. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901, and to the Bucks County SPCA, Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home.

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5 Comments

  • Marianne was my matron of honor at my wedding. We had so much fun playing piano and singing. She helped me to write some songs. We lost touch of each other over the years. I will always remember and love you.

  • So sad and will truly miss my kind and generous close friend.
    John Bray introduced the two of us shortly after we arrived
    and we immediately bonded as women friends and sisters.

    I was just told about her passing and had spoken with her last
    week. Was planning to call her to check in on how she was
    feeling and catch up on life today but received this sad news
    before I called.

    Lon & I were both close to her. Lon is just now finishing
    up the mastering and artwork on his new CD “Cupid” to
    which he has already added his dedication of the album to
    Marianne. She was a Big Light in our lives and, of course,
    loved and shared music, love, music, love, music with us.

    We will really miss her at our “Cupid” CD Release Party.
    She loved those parties so this one will be bittersweet.

    May everyone stop and say a little silent prayer of beauty
    and gratitude for her this week.

    Blessings,
    Consti Van Eaton

  • Marianne brought so much to life and our lives. Her indomitable optimism, good humor, smoky laugh and playfulness are imprinted in my mind — she left her gifts in our hearts and her works in our community. Thank you, Marianne — we will miss you.

  • So sorry to hear of Marianne’s Passing. She was a valued voice in New Hope. Also she was part of the “ young marrieds” just coming of age back so many years ago when so many groups were just being developed.
    She will be missed for sure.

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