Riehemann, Marietta, Sat., Nov. 28, 2020. Marietta Riehemann’s family wants her friends and loved ones to know that on April 7, 1941 God gave her the gift of life; on November 28, 2020 she gave it back. Although her family were devastated when her heart beat for the last time, they were also grateful. After all, Marietta lived four decades longer than a woman with a failing heart should have lived. Proving God is great, Marietta was indomitable, and the medical care provided by her cardiologist, Dr. Bill Southworth, was brilliant. Of course, even if you knew Marietta suffered from congestive heart failure, it was impossible to see her as sick. She towered over everyone in stature, warmth, sass, and vigor. Always dressed resort-wear-chic, she decked herself out in bobbles and bangles. Her hair and nails were ever perfect. Her clever humor impeccably well-timed. And even when gritting her teeth, she looked like she was smiling. Marietta made friends quickly and frequently. Whether a friend went back 5.7 seconds or 57 years was hard to discern because just as we’re all equal in God’s eyes, we were all equal in Marietta’s. She didn’t just make friends, she basked in them by entertaining often and joining numerous clubs. Favorites were The Red Hats Club, Ruth Kelso Renfro Art Club, Serra Club, Clipped Wings, and four different bridge clubs, just to name a few. Marietta was a bold woman with even bolder idiosyncrasies. Christmas was as much an addiction as it was her favorite holiday. Even in the heat of the summer, if she happened upon a Christmas store, she entered. Only to exit moments later with yet another Santa figurine or green and red plaid towel set. No matter the season, it was not unusual to find a Hallmark Christmas special playing on the family room television set. As for dogs, they were simply her undoing. The uglier the furry beastie, the faster her heart melted. Which is why commercials about dog shelters sent her sprinting for her checkbook (FYI - this was the only time she ever ran). As many may recall, Marietta had a penchant for threatening to “take you to the woodshed,” for non-compliance with her demands, or to take you to the local hair salon if she didn’t like your coiffure. She never hesitated to comment on her loved ones’ clothing choices, and often called them “Hoosiers” if they did not dress in what she deemed an appropriate manner. The only child of first generation Americans, her father was a fiery, dashing Italian baker, her mother a stoic German pragmatist. On the first day of kindergarten, Marietta met yet another only child, Ann Luttrell. The sister-ship they formed lasted her entire life. Then, one fateful day when Marietta was a TWA flight attendant, she met Rich Riehemann. As she served Rich his complimentary in-flight meal, they talked. Rich learned that Marietta hadn't eaten and offered her his dinner (which anyone knows is the fastest way to an Italian’s heart). They married six months later. Together Rich and Marietta saw the Pyramids of Egypt, the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem, attended mass at Notre Dame Cathedral, and explored ancient temples in Sri Lanka. Of course their grandest adventure was raising their children, Susan and Rick. Then, after years of impatiently waiting, finally having their grandchildren Elena, Matthew, Brendan and Ricky. Marietta answered to many names: Mimi, Muffy, Anti and Feif. But the name dearest to her weak heart was, Child of God. Her life-long faith was intense and joyful. For decades she celebrated at St. Clement Parish. I say celebrated, because that’s what Marietta felt about God’s mercy and salvation, it was worthy of constant celebration. Which is why she attended Mass daily. And her dog-eared, worn out Bible looks like it barely survived some natural disaster. It’s also why rosaries are scattered throughout her house. If Marietta said she’d pray for you, she prayed often and with intention. If you asked her for money? She gave without hesitation. Or question. Marietta funded clean water wells in Africa and Guatemala, family homes in Guatemala, and sent presents to Central American orphanages. She also gave generously to her church. That said, because she held Jesus’s love and sacrifice so close to her heart, she never felt she had given enough. As Marietta prayed would happen, in her final hours she was surrounded by family. Her hands were held, her hair stroked and favorite Bible verses read. Marietta’s death came quietly while those who loved her spoke to her of their love. Her family is certain that when she finally saw God, He said, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” After all, she used the weak heart He gave her wisely and well, to infuse His world with love, faith, laughter, generosity and friendship. We miss you as much as we love you, Mimi. May your heavenly life be abundant in garlic-saturated pasta, silk tulips and happy, ugly dogs. And know that when our times come, we look forward to seeing you once again. Marietta is survived by her husband of 56 years Richard Riehemann, her children Susan Bertuglia (Marco), Rick Riehemann (Heather), and her grandchildren, Elena, Matthew, Brendan, and Ricky. Susan and Rick will host a Celebration of Life gathering at a later date, when COVID-19 is no longer a public health threat. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on behalf of Marietta’s Goddaughter, Deirdre. Visitation Fri., Dec. 4, 4:00-7:00 pm, at BOPP CHAPEL. Funeral Mass Sat., 12/5, 10:00 am at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1510 Bopp Rd., 63131. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be live steamed by St. Clement on the day of service. Please access the live stream 10 minutes prior to Mass time. You can get to the live stream in one of two ways: 1. Go to the parish website: www.stclementcatholicchurch.org. Scroll down a bit and you will see a big link that says LIVE STREAM MASS. This will take you to our Facebook page with the Mass. OR 2. Go directly to our Facebook page: facebook.com/stclement63131/ Scroll down until you find the Mass you wish to watch. You do not need a Facebook account to live-stream or view a prior recording.