Marian A. Matticole, 97, former writer and information specialist for the United States Information Agency (USIA), the public relations arm of the US Department of State, died on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge, NJ.

Born in Princeton, NJ she was a long time resident of Crystal City in Arlington, VA.

Marian graduated Princeton High School as the outstanding student in her class. She was awarded two scholarships; one from Rutgers University and the other from the Princeton Women's College Club. During her college years, she was quite popular and was elected president of several student clubs.

Upon graduation from Douglass College at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, Ms. Matticole taught English at Princeton High School until she received an offer from the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. in 1941, about the time WWII began. Initially she served in the Intelligence Division, Office of Strategic Services. Then she was assigned as a publications writer for the Latin American Press branch of the USIA. Her stories appeared in many Latin American weekly and monthly magazines and Sunday morning newspaper supplements. She often covered interviews of prestigious Latin heads of state, diplomats and legislators, many celebrated Latin personalities, university leaders, personnel involved in cultural exchanges, as well as Latin students studying in America. As a reporter she covered the US Capitol, the White House and the State Department. In 1964, Ms. Matticole was selected to assist Yoichi Okamoto, personal photographer to President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House.

Marian retired from the USIA in 1985 becoming an active volunteer for the American Red Cross national headquarters, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Smithsonian Institution and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Arlington, VA.

She was predeceased by her parents Margaret and Peter Matticola, former residents of Princeton. She is survived by many cousins.

Funeral services will begin on Monday, June 3, 2013 at 10:30 am in the Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ followed by an 11:00 am funeral Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial will be in the family plot in St. Paul Cemetery.

Visiting hours are Monday from 9:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home.