MARIE VIRGINIA THEURICH
May 27, 1936-February 23, 2024

She wore many crowns: Queen of Bling, The Real Estate Lady, Mom, Nana, Gigi and The Belle. All who were lucky enough to be in Marie Theurich's orbit will remember and miss her unique, infectious sparkle.

Her star ascended peacefully February 23, 2024. She defied the odds after a two-month terminal diagnosis last June. In typically positive fashion, she held her memorial in July because, "I want to hear all the nice things people say while I'm still alive!" More than 200 friends, family and admirers, including Elvis, gathered to honor her wishes with stories, music, photos and much love and laughter.

She was born in San Francisco, California May 27, 1936, the same day the Golden Gate Bridge opened! Marie grew up in San Jose and was the fearless ringleader of three younger siblings on countless misadventures. Her fond memories of watching the Miss California competition on family trips to Santa Cruz ignited a life-long love of beauty pageants.

Marie and the love of her life, Lester, raised two daughters, Pam and Cathy, in San Jose. Marie and Les were a glamorous couple and generous hosts, welcoming all into their spectacular homes in San Jose and later Monte Sereno. The cocktails, music, stories and laughter were always flowing at the Theurich home. They were the life of every party and never missed a chance to dance the night away.

Marie's positive attitude and belief that all doors were open to her led her to wear many vocational hats. She talked her way into a job at 21 in banking as a teller, eventually rising to Vice President and was honored to serve as President of the state's Bank of America Club. Her love of fashion led her to open a high-end consignment store, Marie's Elegant Closet, in Saratoga and later Flamingo's clothing shop in Fresno.

In the early nineties, Les and Marie moved to Fresno-YES where, after opening the Wells Fargo at First and Nees, she embarked on a very successful second career in real estate, and was well known as "The Real Estate Lady". Marie loved helping people find their dream homes and often worked with several family generations. She mentored many agents who often remarked on her generosity and kindness. Her robust referral business never slowed down, and Marie was selling houses well into her 80's.

Nearly two decades ago, she eagerly took on the challenge of Executive Director of the Miss Fresno County Scholarship Program. Her passion revived the competition and raised record scholarship funds. She inspired contestants with honesty and sparkle, leading to lifelong friendships and admiration. Throughout the years, Marie rarely turned down an invitation and loved attending weddings, baby showers and other important life events of her "pageant girls."

A glamorous beauty, Marie dabbled in modeling and famously owned hundreds of high heels that were her signature look, along with a dazzling movie star wardrobe that earned her the nickname Queen of Bling. She always said she loved being over the top and making people smile. She was also a loyal friend who consistently turned up at sick friends' bedsides.

A few years after losing her dear husband Les, Marie was fortunate to find love and a new dance partner in Navy Captain and dentist Dr. Stewart Roller. For eight years, they travelled the world and livened up countless parties and patriotic parades. The family thanks Stew for his unwavering support in her final months.

Marie is survived in love by her daughters Pamela Schramm and Catherine Byrnes and son-in-law of 43 years, Michael Byrnes. She was an adoring Nana to her four grandchildren Leslie Ciccarelli and Gina Ciccarelli (Aaron), Valerie Taron (Daniel), and Sean Byrnes (Grace) and a loving and proud Gigi to her seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Theurich; mother, Violet Sylvester; and brothers, Bernard 'Nardie' and Steven Silveria.

The family is grateful to Hinds Hospice where remembrances may be made in her name; alternatively, her beloved Miss Fresno County Scholarship Program or American Cancer Society. Please remember Marie and smile!