Marie Renshaw

Marie Faryewicz Renshaw, 87, of North Little Rock passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014. She was born July 25, 1926, to the late Frank and Sophie Zajac Faryewicz and lived her whole life in North Little Rock. Marie was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Sonny and John Faryewicz. She was a 67-year member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Little Rock and taught for 25 years at St. Patrick's School. Marie was a devoted Catholic and taught with the Sisters of Mercy at the parish school. Almost 800 children were taught by her in second grade. Most of them made their First Holy Communion under her direction. Marie was known as the "teacher who walked backward" because of her habit of watching for misbehavior. But she adored her students and they all got a hug at the end of the day. She loved her flowers and flower garden, and was happy to give a tour of her backyard to visitors. Her green thumb meant fresh flowers on the table all spring and summer. Marie was an avid bridge player and played almost to the end of her life. Her first language was Polish, and she could recite prayers in Polish for most of her life. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Courtney Renshaw; daughters Kay Fellone (Frank) and Dena Gunderson (Ralph); six grandchildren, Brian Fellone (Linda), Vince Fellone (Anthea), Nick Fellone (Molly), Courtney Gunderson, Eric Gunderson (Laura) and Patricia Pilon (Kevin); and six great-grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Jack, Noah and Felicity Fellone and Sebastian Pilon. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Building Fund, 211 W. 19th Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114 or Helping Hand, 1601 Marshall Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. A visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at North Little Rock Funeral Home followed by a rosary. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.