Obituary of Marcella P. Syracuse

Marcella P. Syracuse, 95 and a long time resident of White Plains, NY has passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness.

Marcella was born 3/30/1930 in The Bronx, NY and as a child lived in Riverdale and later in Larchmont.

She was the daughter of Dr Edward A Pfeiffer & Marcella C Pfeiffer and was the eldest of 4 girls including sisters Claire Page, Jeannine Mannix & Deanne Raymond.

Marcella attended boarding school at Mount St Vincent and graduated with a BA in Science & Education from the College of New Rochelle and an MA in Theology from Fordham University. She later expanded her knowledge with post graduate work at NYU, Villanova University, University of Delaware and Regina Mundi in Rome, Italy.

Marcella entered the convent at age 18 and during her nearly 20 years as an Ursuline nun was known as Mother Marie Venard Pfeiffer. During that time she was a teacher and authored several children’s Catholic textbooks. At the time of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960’s, Marcella spent time in Rome participating in updating and modernizing Church teachings to be more open and pastoral.

Marcella left religious orders in her mid thirties but continued in her role as an educator and taught at The Ursuline School in New Rochelle NY until her retirement in her late 80s. She was very passionate about her students and got great satisfaction from her interactions with young minds. Many great nieces & nephews benefited from her generous gifts of lap tops as Marcella always sought out ways to introduce technology and innovative thinking into her classrooms and to the next generation.

Marcella married Dr Royce Syracuse, DDS in 1974 and later moved with him to White Plains, NY. Over the years her home was a haven for several pets and her cat Sheba was a loyal companion.

Marcella was a world traveller and adventurer at all stages of her life. She enjoyed the thrill of visiting new places and cultures and exploring both historic and contemporary sites. She had a great love of good food, fine wine and, most of all, a hearty beer. She was well known for entertaining family and friends at her favorite restaurants.

Marcella had a keen mind and incredible memory. She was financially astute and was a seasoned investor which was always somewhat shocking to those who learned she was a former nun. Throughout her life she was engaged and interested in many topics, from investing and politics to sports - where she had a particular leaning toward Notre Dame. Marcella never hesitated to share an article or news alert she found interesting or pertinent to a particular family member or friend even if it meant sending out a 3AM text message. In conversation she often closed with “Get It?” or her catch phrase “Over & Out”. Marcella remained sharp until her last day.

Marcella was predeceased by her parents, sisters and her husband.

She is survived by sixteen nieces, nephews and their families and her beloved cat, Sheba. Her family is grateful to her dedicated companions and caretakers, Mary Creavin and Meghan McCarthy, with whom she formed a true bond and valued friendship over the past 5 years.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no wake.

Her Funeral Mass will be 10AM Tuesday, September 2 at St Augustine Catholic Church in Larchmont.

A livestream of the service will be available as well. Go to https://www.catholiclarchmont.org/

Click on ‘Livestream’ tab at top of page. Select ‘St. Augustine’s Church’