Marion Elaine Orsetti

Marion Elaine Orsetti nee Henriksen born March 21, 1937, passed June 8, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Survived by her husband Fred, sons Dave and Dan (Paige), sister Irene, brother Lorne (Donna), grandchildren Aryn (Dom), Shannon (Jon), Teresa (Justin), Tanis (Chris), Ashley (Howie), Owen (Kana), Amie (Eli), Gavin (Reyah), Trevan (Kirsten) and great grandchildren Landon, Leah, Mason, Yuna, Gideon, Aniyah, Olivine and William.

Marion grew up in Vancouver and went to Gladstone high school where she met her future husband Fred. Marion and Fred married in 1957 and enjoyed 67 years of a full and happy life together. They had two sons, Dave and Dan. After living in a few different locations, Marion and Fred bought land and settled down in south Surrey where they spent more than 60 years raising their children and enjoying life together.

Once the children were off to school, Marion enrolled at Simon Fraser University where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree and teaching certificate. She later returned to Simon Fraser to obtain a Master’s degree in Special Education. She loved teaching and spent many years as a classroom teacher and a Learning Assistance teacher.

Marion was a consummate hostess and enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home. Christmas was an especially important time for her. Marion always loved having her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren around, particularly at this special time.

Marion and Fred enjoyed many years of trailering and in their later years would spend several months each year in the southern United States. They shared this passion with their grandchildren by taking them to the Thousand Trails campground at Cultus Lake each summer for a few days of camping. Their travels also took them to Europe, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska.

Marion was a strong determined person with a very kind heart and caring personality. She had a wonderful sense of humor and shared the medicine of laughter with everyone. These attributes helped her to cope and keep perspective when she developed slow onset Parkinson’s. She gradually lost her mobility and independence but remained positive. Despite this challenge, Marion and Fred continued to make their home a central location for family gatherings and activities. With the dedicated and tireless support of Fred, Marion was able to remain in their home surrounded by family until she passed.

Special thanks are extended to Raquel Burke and Fraser Health Homecare for the kind and caring support in Marion’s last years. Marion will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched, and especially by Fred and the family.

In Marion's memory, please make a donation to the Parkinson’s Society or a charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers.

A private family service will be held.