Alexandra Marrese

Alexandra Jade Marrese
August 28, 1991 – December 21, 2025
Alexandra Jade Marrese, 34, of Verona NJ, passed away on December 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with gastric cancer. Alexandra lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and an unwavering dedication to those she loved.
Alexandra attended Our Lady of the Lake in Verona, NJ, and Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell, NJ. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from West Virginia University in 2014 and began her career as an educator in the Preston County School District, where she was quickly recognized for her extraordinary work with children with special needs, winning teacher of the year in 2018. After returning to NJ, she was employed by the Roxbury Board of Education for three years and later by the Verona Board of Education, where she proudly served as a special education teacher at F.N. Brown Elementary School for the past three years. Teaching was not simply her profession but her calling, and she approached it with heart, purpose, and integrity.
Alexandra cherished her family and friends. She was the beloved daughter of Patricia Marrese and the late Michael Marrese, a devoted sister to Anthony Marrese and his wife Julie, a doting aunt to Michael Marrese, a loving partner to Deniz Turk Otarsi, a cherished godmother to Haley Kelly, and a devoted goddaughter to Kathleen Riviere and Oto Carcia. Proud of her large and close-knit family, Alexandra is also survived by her incredible aunts, uncles, and cousins. She always looked forward to family gatherings like Christmas Eve or her annual pool party.
Alexandra loved the Jersey Shore and took every opportunity to swim in the pool or ocean. She eagerly awaited the summer months, when she could drive with the top down in her Jeep Wrangler with the music blasting. She had an effortless way of lightening any moment with her humor and quick wit. She loved a good party and truly believed life was meant to be celebrated. Alexandra’s warmth and positivity were contagious, and she had a rare ability to make others feel welcome, forming deep and lasting friendships with people from every era of her life.
Alexandra leaves behind a legacy of positivity, warmth, humor, and resilience, and a presence that will never be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to love her.

Visiting will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3 to 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 28 Lakeside Avenue, Verona on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alexandra's memory to the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation (www.dmccfheroes.com) or St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org) would be appreciated.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on her obituary page at www.proutfuneralhome.com.