Marie Evelyn Despres

Marie Evelyn Despres age 93, of Bethel Park, PA passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at her home under the loving care of her son David. She was born October 23, 1930 in Quaker City, OH a daughter of the late Glen Layman and Olive Eagon Layman Cook. She went on to spend her youth in Quaker City.

She worked as an executive secretary for many years. She was employed for numerous companies including Packaging Corp., Champion Spark Plug, RCA, P.C. McKenzie Co., and the Federal Govt. across Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. Throughout her career she held several top-level clearances. Upon her retirement she kept busy working for Kaufman's in Pittsburgh, and for a nursing home as a secretary where she would joke about being older than the residents.

She enjoyed gardening and working with her flowers. She definitely had a green thumb and became close friends with Ben Dunigan - Curator of Horticulture, Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh PA. Marie was able to grow the very rare Corpse Flowers, that bloom once-per-decade in a 48-hour bloom period, which amazed Ben as it is a truly rare plant.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Gerard "Bus" Despres whom she married December 23, 1967 and who passed April 22, 1995; son Michael V. Law; sister Margaret Morris; nephews Jerry and Larry Morris.

She will be missed, and her memory will be cherished by her son David G. Law of Bethel Park, along with her two companions, her dogs Bailey and Brandy.

The family will receive friends for a funeral service Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. Following the service, she will be laid to rest near her husband and son in Friends Cemetery in Quaker City, OH.