Marion Monsen

Born on the 3rd of May, 1939, in Houston, to Albert Bel Fay and Homoiselle Haden Fay, Marion lived a life rich with love and adventure. Marion graduated from the Kinkaid School in 1957 and continued her education at Vassar College, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston.

Marion’s early years were marked by a deep passion for sailboat racing. She won many a race, series and regatta in her wooden Teal sailboat the Croaker and her Corinthian the Gleam. Marion was Texas Women’s Sailing Champion, champion of the Southern District of America, and won the Adams Cup, all in 1958. Marion competed on 5.5 Metre yachts in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Bermuda and the Bahamas. As skipper, she was the first woman ever allowed in the Library of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. Crewing for her uncle Ernie Fay, she helped to win the Scandinavian Gold Cup twice, making her the first crew-woman aboard a cup winner. In 1963, she made the cover of Sports Illustrated on board her father’s 5.5. In 1966, she helped Ernie win the Duke of Edinburgh Cup in Nassau.

In 1958, Peder Monsen came to the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club from Norway to compete in the 5.5 Metre world championship against Marion. It was love at first sight for both of them. They married in Houston in 1962 and Marion cherished their summer trips to England and Norway, supporting his sailing endeavors.

Marion found her professional calling in nursing, proudly scrubbing for several renowned surgeons. Her fascination with medicine was lifelong and she avidly read about health and medical advancements.

In 1972, Marion became a self-proclaimed “health nut” and enjoyed educating her friends and family about the benefits of a healthful lifestyle with clean food and copious amounts of exercise. She proudly named herself the “Food Police”.

Conservation was another of Marion’s loves. She was a proud board member of The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Citizens Who Care, Nonsmokers Action Group, and the Bayou Preservation Association.

To stay in shape for skiing in Sun Valley with Peder, he suggested that she take up running. Marion jogged for almost 60 years! In summer, she added hiking in the mountains. Winter was for downhill and cross-country skiing. Marion played tennis several times a week with girlfriends and weekends with Peder. Many fondly remember her signature straw hat on the tennis court.

Marion taught herself Norwegian and became quite fluent, using it as often as possible. She also continued her daily study of French and Spanish, conversing with friends, reading, and watching foreign-language television.

Marion will be remembered as a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Marion is survived by her husband Peder; daughter Fay Bel Monsen Kirby and husband Donald Dance Kirby; grandchildren Elsebeth Fay Kirby and fiancé Wilson Prioleau, Alix Dance Kirby, and Christian Spencer Kirby; sister Katherine Fay Smith; brother Albert Bel Fay, Jr. and wife Sidney Fay; nieces Homoiselle Sadler Bujosa and husband Carlos Bujosa, Sallie Sadler, Libby Fay, Eloise Fay Novotny and husband Andrew, Anabel Fay Thompson and husband Steve; nephew Cal Sadler; and numerous fabulous great-nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to Marion’s loving companions Monica, Amber, Angela and Tekeitha. Also thanks to the loving staff at The Tradition and the Care Team Hospice staff.

The family will gather for a private inurnment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Marion’s honor may be directed to the Galveston Bay Foundation by visiting online at galvbay.org.

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