Marion Frances Cahill

Marion Frances Cahill, age 90, of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on January 15, 2024. Marion was a well-read, intellectual individual who had a passion for international cooking and travel. She was known for her strong, independent nature and her determination in all aspects of life. Marion had a zest for life and held her friends, family, children, and pets close to her heart.

Marion was born on September 22, 1933, in New Haven, CT. She attended St Mary's High School, and went on to earn her AS in Medical Technology from Quinnipiac University, and her BSN in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. She continued to pursue higher education at Columbia University, where she earned MA in Nursing, and M Ed in Family Studies and an Ed D in Family Service Psychology.

Throughout her career, Marion held various teaching positions in the Arts & Sciences, College of Education and College of Nursing programs. Most recently, Marion was a professor in the Psychology Department at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge (fka Our Lady of the Lake College) where she also held several Chair positions in the Psychology Department. She was honored there by the Student Government Association as Teacher of the Year for her dedication and commitment to her students. She had a career of over 35 years teaching at higher education institutions: the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LA, Barton College in Wilson, NC, and University of Bridgeport, CT. Marion contributed to research at Yale and Duke Universities for the MacArthur Study on Successful Aging; subsequently authoring a book on that topic. She was awarded a Fellowship from the World Health Organization and conducted research in London schools on family functioning effects on mental health.

Marion was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau (Int'l Honor Society of Nursing), Who's Who in America, The Worlds Who's Who of Women, Kappa Delta Pi (Int'l Honor Society in Education, Pi Lambda Theta (Honor Society in Nursing), Phi Theta Kappa (UG Honor Society).

Professional memberships included American Psychological Association (APA), Association for Psychological Science (APS), Gerontological Society of America, World Federation for Mental Health and American Association of University Women Baton Rouge.

Marion worshipped at Our Lady of Mercy in Baton Rouge, LA. She found solace and fulfillment in her faith.

In her free time, Marion enjoyed traveling, cooking, continuous education, writing, and loving her cats. She was always seeking new knowledge and experiences.

A Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 12:15pm at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Chapel at 5415 Brittany Drive in Baton Rouge. An Irish Wake will follow at the Bull Dog, 4385 Perkins Rd where friends and family can share tears, laughter and fond memories of Marion. A Celebration of Life will be held at Marion’s senior home facility, The Claiborne, 9511 Creekview Drive., Baton Rouge sometime in March, 2024, details TBD.

Marion is survived by her nieces, Lisa Coassin, Patricia McKeon, and Susan Ireland. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Ruth, her brother Thomas J. Cahill, Jr., and her sisters Noreen Cahill and Janeann Cahill Perkins. She held special relationships with her godchildren Elizabeth Hoffman, Don “DG” Smith, Lisa Coassin and her dearest friends who were like family, Donna Hobbs and Denise Clause.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marion's memory can be made to the Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) at www.caabr.org or by contacting 225-408-5360.

Rabenhorst Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, LA, is honored to assist the family during this difficult time. Marion’s ashes will be interred at her family gravesite in New Haven, CT where Keenan Funeral Home will honor her wishes with a graveside service to be held in the Spring.

Marion Cahill will be remembered for her intelligence, passion, and love for her family, friends, children, and pets. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.