Date of Birth:
Thursday, June 4, 1931
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Age:
94 years old

Marianne Berthoty Lucchinetti

On August 20, 2025 (the birth date of Hungary), Marianne Berthoty Lucchinetti passed away with her daughters by her side at the age of 94 after a brief illness.

She is survived by her daughters Silvia Lucchinetti (Robert Kussy), Claudia Lucchinetti (Mathieu Wiepert), and Adriana McCarthy (Glenn McCarthy); her grandchildren Christina McCarthy (Franc Hilario), Joe McCarthy, Daniela Wiepert, and Liana Wiepert; and her extended family in Italy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mario, her cherished son Marco (Rasa Adams), and her parents.

Born June 4, 1931, in Budapest, Hungary, to Karoly Berthoty and Olga Modern, Marianne’s childhood was shaped by both privilege and hardship. During World War II, her father, a diplomat, refused to take the fascist oath in support of Mussolini, and the family lost everything, enduring internment in Ivanc. From these early trials she carried forward resilience and a fierce pride in her Hungarian heritage.

She grew up in several European capitals, learning the languages and cultures of each. Fluent in seven languages, she worked at the Italian embassy in Oslo and, during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, served as a translator between the embassies in Budapest and Norway, keeping lines of communication open during a time of upheaval. Later, she worked as a Berlitz simultaneous interpreter.

On September 18,1957, she married Mario in Rome. Courageously, she left her homeland to build a new life in America, sailing across the Atlantic on the SS Constitution. Together they raised four children, blending Italian and Hungarian traditions.

Marianne kept fully up to date with current world affairs. She was a creative and gifted writer. She was passionate about travel, opera, reading biographies, and delighted in telling stories. She was a lover of dogs, candy and oysters as they reminded her of the sea. She celebrated holidays with joy paying attention to all the details, welcomed friends of all ages, and was remembered for her grace, style, and vitality. A lifelong Ferrari enthusiast, she earned the nickname “Mrs. Ferrari” for proudly displaying the Ferrari logo on her walker. She remained independent into her later years, riding on a motorcycle at age 75, reminiscent of her courtship with Mario across the Italian countryside on his Vespa.

Though she suffered the heartbreaking loss of her son Marco in 2016, she inspired us all with her strength, finding joy in her children, grandchildren, and enduring friendships.  To her grandchildren she was “Mamma Nonna,” always deeply interested in their lives and proud of all they accomplished.  People were drawn to her magnetic presence, humor, compassion, and ability to make each person feel truly heard. She formed a lasting friendship with her husband’s caregivers Morgan and Esad whom she loved like family.

Marianne’s faith was always in her life, and she never missed a televised Vatican Mass. She believed deeply in honoring the generations who came before her and in teaching her children and grandchildren how family shapes who we become. Her love and legacy will endure in the lives she touched.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8913272&fr_id=154020&pg=personal

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.