Marie Laura Beers-Sjodin, 86, better known as Mom, Momma Mia, Momma Lou, Grandma, Nonna, and Gigi, passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly on September 15, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born Marie Laura Maggiore on August 4, 1940, in Queens, New York, was the beloved daughter of John and Grace Maggiore.

Marie lived a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and love. She had an outgoing and compassionate spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a spunky personality that made her unforgettable. She was incredibly intentional in the way she loved people and had an extraordinary ability to meet them exactly where they were in life. It did not matter who you were or what stage of life you were in; when Marie spoke with you, she made you feel as though you were the only person in the room. She made people feel important. She remembered the details of their lives, asked about the things that mattered to them, and genuinely cared about their answers. Marie never met a stranger, and her contagious smile could light up a room.

Marie grew up in Queens where she married the paper boy, the love of her life Russel Lee Beers. Together they raised four successful boys. 5 years later, after the death of Russel Beers, by the grace of God, Marie found love again with Gordon Thomas Sjodin. Together they built a life full of laughter, love, and adventure. Throughout her life, Marie wore many different tiaras. She was a homemaker, telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, a finishing operator for McGraw Hill Publishing Company, and the Vice-President and furrier for John Tauben Furs. Later, she found success as a realtor with Chinowth & Cohen, where she became a Multi-Million-Dollar Producer.

While Marie took pride in her accomplishments, nothing compared to the pride she had in her family and her faith. She was a devoted Catholic. Her faith guided the way she lived her life, and she believed deeply in putting God and family first.

Marie knew how to enjoy life. She loved traveling, playing the slots, playing cards, dancing the night away, enjoying authentic Italian food, and making her famous homemade Italian meatballs. She was always well put together and brought energy, humor, and warmth wherever she went.

Some of her greatest happiness came from simply being with the people she loved. She enjoyed spending time with all her great grandchildren. There is something incredibly special about the bond between the elderly and the young.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Grace Maggiore; her brother, Danny Maggiore; and her husbands, Russel Lee Beers - 1985, and Gordon Thomas Sjodin - 2025.

She is survived by her sister, Rosaria Maggiore-Gaglione; her sons, Russel and Laura Beers, Wayne Beers and Michael Bobo, Craig and Cheryl Beers, and Darren Beers; and her stepdaughter, Jill Sjodin-Straight.

Marie's legacy continues through her grandchildren and their spouses Lauren and Madi Beers, Joey and Emily Beers, Dylan and Allie Beers, John and Millena Beers, Jenna Beers, and Richard and Madison Ruiz; Matthew Ostroff, Michael Ostroff, Melissa Ostroff-Hall; and her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Boston, Bradley, Eli, Sutton, Sarah, Spencer; Tomas, Nico, and Michaela.

One lesson Marie carried with her came from her father: "Never refuse food or money." It was a simple saying that reflected the humor, practicality, and family traditions she carried throughout her life.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Saint Francis Hospital's 4 Specialty Unit, Montereau, and Tulsa Rehabilitation Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Marie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard's Catholic Church or St. Anne's Catholic Church.

Marie leaves behind a family profoundly grateful for the years, memories, laughter, and love they shared with her. Her presence will remain in family gatherings, familiar traditions, stories told around the table, and in the generations she loved so dearly.

"How blessed are we to be loved by someone who makes saying goodbye so hard."