Marianne Waterbury, associate dean of students, dies

Marianne Waterbury

Marianne Waterbury 

Marianne Waterbury, associate dean of students at Princeton and a 22-year member of the staff, died May 27 in Stockton, N.J., after a long struggle with cancer. She was 63.

Waterbury earned a master's degree in teaching English as a foreign language at the American University in Cairo and subsequently taught at Marshall University. In 1980-81 she was a Fulbright Lecturer at Mohamed Ben Abdullah University in Fez, Morocco. She was also a professional caterer in Huntington, W.Va.

Waterbury came to the Princeton in 1983 as an admission officer. In 1989 she moved to the Office of the Dean of Students, eventually becoming associate dean -- a position she held until her death.

"Marianne was a wonderful and valued colleague and, to many of us, a dear friend," said Kathleen Deignan, dean of students. "We will miss her sense of humor, her generosity and the enormous grace with which she handled even the most formidable problems. Anyone who knew Marianne quickly came to appreciate her clear thinking and practical wisdom, both of which she possessed in great measure and blended so perfectly with warmth and compassion. She will be remembered for all these qualities, but also for the dignity and courage with which she faced the last years of her life. We are grateful that she was a part of our lives."

Waterbury is survived by her daughter, Trishka, of Stockton, and her sister, Allegra Checri, of Beirut, Lebanon.

An informal memorial service is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at 20 Harvest Hill Drive, Stockton (near Ringoes). In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Waterbury may make contributions to the following charities: the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society, the World Wildlife Fund or the Nature Conservancy.

The University flag above East Pyne will fly at half-staff in Waterbury's memory Wednesday through Friday, June 1-3.