It is with deep sorrow and fond memories that we celebrated the life of Marie Raia Wyns. She was born in the Bronx on June 22, 1951. She passed away at home in Yulee, Florida on the morning of November 6, 2018. She graduated from James Monroe High School in the Bronx, received a bachelor's degree in physical education from Lehman College and master's degree in supervision from Bank Street College of Education. Marie worked for Chemical Bank in international finance before being hired by the New York Board of Education. She was able to retire at age 55 from Bronx High School Outreach where she worked as a physical education and math teacher as well as a guidance counselor.

Marie was involved in ministry for many years, It became apparent that she was musically inclined, when as a toddler she was able to harmonize as her mother played the piano and sang. Together with her sisters she ministered in music. For many years she was a worship leader and a faithful choir member. Marie enjoyed Christian ministry throughout her life, both at home and abroad. She and her family were involved in helping homeless, needy women and children in what was call The Potter's House. Marie and her sisters were involved in puppet ministry, traveling to churches and Christian camps. Within the local church Marie was a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and led a prayer meeting for nine years. Home mission work also included ministering at a homeless single room occupancy facility and at the Bowery mission for over eighteen years, While Marie was still in college, she went on her first foreign mission trip to Mexico. Later she would go to Japan, Israel, India and several countries in Africa. Approximately twenty-two years ago she took a sabbatical and went to Zimbabwe to work in an orphanage for five months. For thirty years Marie was an active participant of Barnabas Ministries, a Christian missionary organization.

Marie is survived by her husband, Dr. David Wyns; her mother Marie Josephine Albrizio Raia; her beloved aunt Frances Albrizio Forzano; her siblings, Theresa Marie Raia Hoffman; Lois Raia Lombardi; JoAnne Raia Caroprese; John Mark Raia; Ruth Raia Lombardi; Daniel Raia. She is survived by eight nieces and nephews and six grand nieces and nephews. Marie will be greatly missed by her many friends and relatives.

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