Worcester - Marion Winifred (Erickson) Orczyk, age 90, was called home to rest eternally in God's care on Saturday, August 27, 2011. She was born on June 17, 1921, the daughter of Victor Alexis Erickson and Annie Mae Penniman (Ekberg) Erickson.
Marion's beloved husband, Chester Orczyk, died in 2008. She is survived by her loving daughter, Gayle Penniman Orczyk, her devoted son, Jan Scott Orczyk, and her adoring grandchildren, Janos Steven and Olivia Mariche Orczyk; her sisters Gloria V. Rose and Barbara A. Rose; her sister-in-law and dear friend Helen F. Zimkiewicz; and several nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Wendell C. Erickson and Paul A. Erickson, and her sister Shirley G. Rose.
Throughout her life, Marion embraced the role of caregiver, providing support and love to those in need. At the age of 16, Marion helped care for her dying mother. After her mother's death, Marion did her best to care for her siblings and keep the family together. Marion graduated from South High School then went on to receive her nursing degree from the Worcester Memorial Hospital School of Nursing after which she worked for several years as a private-duty registered nurse. She was a proud member of the Memorial Hospital Alumnae Association.
Marion was an active member of Chestnut Street Congregational Church which later became United Congregational Church (after merger). She served for several years as youth group leader (with her husband), thrift shop volunteer, member of the Women's Fellowship, and Deacon (linens).
Marion provided her family a home filled with beauty, love, and happiness. She took pride in her oil paintings - displayed as reminders of her favorite vacation spots. She was an amazing pastry chef and enjoyed making Swedish coffee bread, cookies, and apple pies for the holidays. Her knitted and crocheted sweaters, hats, and mittens were gifts treasured by family and friends. She used her skills as an excellent seamstress to bestow her personal touch to her children's wardrobe and her home furnishings. Marion loved spending summers at Laurel Lake, her traditional autumn trip on the Mohawk Trail, volunteering at "First Night" soup kitchen, and Easter sunrise at the Cathedral of the Pines. She also enjoyed working in her garden and caring for her dogs and other pets that she welcomed into her home. The beautiful songs of her little yellow bird, Lemon Drop, are a reminder of Marion who will be dearly missed by all those she loved and cared for.
A memorial service for Marion will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2011, in United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Road, Worcester MA. A private burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on September 17, 2011 in All Faiths Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marion's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place W, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445-9924.
To leave a message of condolence, please click link below.