Remembering Marie Katzenmeyer Quinn

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — On Thursday, July 24^th, 1947, Hardy Albert Katzenmeyer and Hilda Hamaker were blessed with the birth of a baby girl, Marie Louise Katzenmeyer at the Mercy Hospital-Street Memorial, in Vicksburg Mississippi. 

Known as “Snookie” among family and friends, Marie was a vivacious child. She was educated by the Sisters of Mercy at Saint Francis Xavier Academy in Vicksburg. In college, she was an excellent student majoring in Speech and Drama at Delta State University in Cleveland Mississippi, where she later received a Diplomate (ABD) in Education with a concentration in English.

On the day after Christmas 1970, Marie married Robert Anthony Quinn at  St. Paul’s Church in Vicksburg. In May 1972, a daughter, Erin Kathleen, was born to them. In October 1978, their son, Brian Albert, was also welcomed into the family. 

Soon after graduating from college, Marie began her teaching career at Colmer Junior High School in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She subsequently taught at Drew High School and Raymond High School. Later, she was the Director of Human Resources for the Hinds County Mississippi School System. Marie also taught at Central Valley High School in Montgomery, New York, and at Dabney Lancaster College in Clifton Forge, Virginia. She was a member of the Mississippi Education Association, New York State United Teachers, and the National Education Association. 

Besides being known by many as a fantastic cook and wonderful mother, Marie was a gifted public speaker. She enjoyed many activities, such as playing the piano and singing, caring for animals, being a docent at the Jackson Zoo, working with stained glass, landscaping, interior design, being the Secretary for the Gaineswood Home Owners’ Association, traveling to various countries and states, and collecting ceramics and art. 

Throughout her life, Marie was an angel who constantly reached out in generous, loving ways to her family, classmates, students, and friends. She shared our joys and sorrows, provided sound advice, and taught by example. Our memories of Marie will warm our hearts and keep us reaching out to others for years to come. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her daughter, Erin Kathleen Quinn Bland. After months of breathing problems in which she felt no pain, Marie passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama. 

Marie was cremated and funeral arrangements were made according to her wishes. Her burial with a graveside ceremony will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 13, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, in Vicksburg. 

Marie is survived by her husband of 55 years (Robert), her son Brian Albert Quinn (Amy), her brother, Hardy A. Katzenmeyer (Margaret, deceased), her daughter’s husband (Ryan Bland), as well as numerous other relatives and dear friends.