(L to R) Marianne Brehun, Gloria Rebovich, John K. Dyke, Anne Dillman *File Photo by Carolyn Maxwell

I first remember meeting Marianne when she and Dot Daniel were the “Dynamic Duo” running the Perth Amboy Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) along with other volunteers. I remember going to Police Headquarters on New Brunswick Avenue and taking photos of the whole team along with the Police Officers involved. What stands out the most is when they would have their Comic Relief Night  Fundraisers which were held at the ZPA. Their ad book would be bursting with sponsors. They would get the top comedians in the area to perform. I remember how packed the ZPA used to be. It seemed like every business in town and the nearby area took out an ad and sent a representative to that event. Sometimes I would wonder if they had enough space to accommodate everyone.

Marianne started to work at City Hall. I would often sit in Marianne’s office in City Hall when I had to wait for someone I had a meeting with. She would always have a bowl of a variety of candies on her desk which I would help myself to.

When I was apartment hunting, I happened to look at a unit in the building where Marianne lived. I mentioned to her that the only apartment available was a studio and I was hesitant to take it because of the small size. Marianne told me I would be surprised to see how many things I could fit into a studio because she said she had one. She invited me to her apartment, so I could get an idea on how to make the most out of a small space. I have never been in her presence when she was in a bad mood.

Now, she’s in a special place in heaven to greet those who may have been the victims of domestic violence. She will be that special angel greeting them with open arms, a warm smile and embrace. Thank you, Marianne for being an angel on earth.

Carolyn M.

The first time I met Marianne was when I was working as a poll clerk. She was reading “Memoirs of a Geisha” and said that the book was very good. Whenever she spoke on a subject she knew, she knew exactly what was talking about and was never had to fudge a subject. She was never afraid to show her intelligence and I admired her for that.

Katherine M.

Dortothy Daniel (L) and Marianne Brehun (R) at the April 22, 2010 Comic Relief Night at the ZPA which was presented by the Perth Amboy Domestic Violence Response Team
*File Photo by Carolyn Maxwell