Marianne Whiting
arts enthusiast, musical director
Jan. 15, 1957—Nov. 24, 2010
Marianne Whiting of Cheektowaga, arts enthusiast and musical director, died Wednesday in Millard Fillmore Suburban hospital after a long illness. She was 53.
Born Marianne Marchese, her love for singing and performance began at the age of 15. Mrs. Whiting moved into vocal coaching, as well as instructing music and drama at various private schools.
Mrs. Whiting formed and directed the New Life Center Ensemble, a vocal group that recorded and performed extensively in several states and Canada.
She also founded and served as director of the Young Actor’s Academy of Western New York and established the organization and corresponding Summer Stock theater program for children who would otherwise not be exposed to the performing arts.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Whiting directed many shows in the greater Buffalo community at the Riviera Theater, the Flickinger Performing Arts Center, and the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts.
In addition to her leadership in the arts, Mrs. Whiting was a member of the Erie County Democratic Party, serving as a committee member both in Buffalo and Cheektowaga. While residing in Buffalo, she was a community activist, later becoming the vice president of the Lower West Side Community Development Corporation.
While raising her children, Mrs. Whiting also opened and operated Lunch Unlimited, a home-based catering company that served local businesses.
Survivors include Jeffrey Whiting, her husband of 27 years; two daughters, Brittini and Karissa; her parents, Anthony and Annie Marchese; her sister, Marci Zynda; and two brothers, Mark and Michael Marchese.
A funeral service will take place at 10 a. m. Monday in Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Road, Amherst.
WHITING - Marianne C. (nee Marchese) November 24, 2010, loving wife of Jeffrey Whiting; loving mother of Brittini, and Karissa; daughter of Anthony, and Annie Marchese; sister of Michael (Mary Lou), Mark (Diane) Marchese and Marcella Zynda; daughter-in-law of L. Morris (late Joyce) Whiting; also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd., Williamsville where Funeral Services will be held on Monday at 10:00 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society , 101 John James Audubon Pkwy., Amherst NY 14228. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
