Marion Theresa Jorgenson (Roach) passed away peacefully on December 27, 2023, at 96 years old. As a devout Roman Catholic, she would be the first to tell you she is now in God's hands, surrounded by her parents, siblings, nieces, and the many life-long friends who passed on before her.
Marion (aka Aunt Mamie) was born on July 6, 1927, to her parents, Olive (Doyle) and Jeremiah Roach in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. Early Pioneers, Olive and Jeremiah, both born in North Dakota, immigrated to Canada to manage their own homestead and secure a better future, back in the early 1900s.
Surviving the cold winters of the Saskatchewan prairies, Marion grew up in the heart of the Great Depression, living on a large farm with her close-knit Roman Catholic family. Marion was one of eight children: Sisters Elaine (Lynch), Isabel (Ell), Irene (Duggan), Stella (Mumford), Margaret (Harder) and brothers Jim and Martin Roach.
In her early twenties, along with her siblings, she moved to the bright lights of a young Vancouver to pursue her dreams as a hairdresser, having successfully earned her Diploma from the La Belle Hair Dressing and Barbering School, in Saskatoon in 1948.
In 1956, Marion married Peter Oscar Jorgenson of Vancouver, British Columbia. Peter grew up in Shaughnessy Heights, a far cry from the wheat fields of Saskatoon. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they were passionate about their shared interests: Family, a sense of adventure, entrepreneurial opportunities and a love for helicopters and life-long learning.
In the 60’s, Marion, immigrated with her husband, back to her parent’s original homeland of the United States. They settled in Seattle, Washington, where they raised their three children.
Marion enjoyed building a new life in Seattle. She loved volunteering for the Women’s Shelter at Sacred Heart Church, praying the rosary, attending the Seattle Symphony, walking Puppy Minto around Green Lake, taking her children to the Seattle Center and on numerous trips to visit her siblings in British Columbia, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.
She also excelled at several career pursuits – from serving as a business owner of a motel and restaurant, to caring for patients in their homes as a certified nurse’s aide, in her later years. At retirement, she moved back to British Columbia, to be closer to her siblings and her friends.
Marion taught her children a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a quick sense of humor. Her infectious smile and welcoming spirit would light up the room. Family was everything to Marion. She loved visits, with not only her children and their families, but also with her many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.
Marion’s legacy lives on through her three children (Anne, Joan, Jim,) eight grandchildren (Justin, Jeremy, Joey, Nick, Ryan, Theresa, Sarah, Stephanie,) and two great-grandchildren (Charlotte and Henry.) A special thanks to sons-in-law, Michael and Saeid, for their love and caring to Marion throughout the years.
Finally, the exceptional care provided to Marion in her twilight years by nursing and recreational staff at Madison Care Centre, Coquitlam, was second to none and greatly appreciated.
A Funeral Mass will be held on March 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Services will be held at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, 821 Fairfax St., Coquitlam, British Columbia. A reception to follow. All family and friends are invited to attend.
A private burial for the immediate family will be held March 6, 2024, at Gardens of Gethsemani in Surrey, British Columbia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the The Door is Open : https://thedoorisopen.ca/ , a Catholic sponsored drop-in ministry and shelter that provides needed services to the Downtown Eastside community in Vancouver, British Columbia.