Marie E. Thorson Penticuff Fabricius

On April 2, 2026, at the age of 97, Marie received her angel wings and was welcomed in heaven by her savior, Jesus Christ, along with many other loved ones that preceded her in death.

Born January 11, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri at Research Hospital to Sigurd and Evangeline Hodgen Thorson. She graduated from Westport High School in 1946. She attended the University of Washington for one year of pre-nursing then followed in her mother's footsteps and continued her education at Research Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her R.N. in 1951.
Nursing was one of Marie's many passions. She cared for others with a tender heart and gave her all to the doctors she worked with in both the hospital and office settings.

She was united in marriage on June 17, 1951, to her love, Dr. Jack Conrod Penticuff. She worked for pediatrician Dr. Julius Kantor and then worked at New York Post Grad Hospital as an operating room nurse. Together they lived in Orleans, France, for two years where Jack was stationed. They traveled extensively and enjoyed seeing the continent while meeting many wonderful people and making lifelong memories. When arriving back in the U.S., she worked with Jack as his dental assistant for two years while he began his practice. She then retired to start a family.

They welcomed their first child, Penny Conrod, in 1957 and Pamela Marie followed in 1962, both by adoption. Marie was a very devoted mother to her daughters while being the leader of both Camp Fire Girl troops for nine years, classroom lead parent volunteer, PTA member of their school and the list goes on. Marie was also very devoted to her husband's work and was by his side in his career by serving on several dental committees including, the Greater K.C. Dental Auxiliary, where she served as president and was also President of the 5th District K.C. / St. Louis Dental Society. She was also very active and served as President of the Women's Dental Auxiliary.

Marie unfortunately lost Jack and was widowed in 1973. Still young and full of life with a lot to offer, she married Phil Fabricius in 1976. With their blended families and many kids' activities, they found time to enjoy travel to Norway, Hawaii and many other places.

She was very involved in her church, Resurrection Lutheran Church in Prairie Village, where she had been a member since 1963. She was the first woman elected and served on the Church Council and served many years in that role as well as an altar server, senior choir, bell choir, and quilt group. She established the Parish Nurse Program, participated in the prayer chain group, Ruth Circle, was treasurer for the Board, played the organ for church services, and served on the Garden Angels committee. She taught Sunday School for many years, was President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Association and was awarded the Central State Senate "Hope for Life" Award. Her faith in God and devotion in giving to others were an inspiration for all of those around her and those lucky enough to be her friends.

Marie's other activities that brought her joy were sewing, gardening, listening to classical music and spending time with her dear friends.

In 2007, Phil and Marie moved to Texas to be closer to her daughter, Pam, and her family. Marie enjoyed the retirement community that they lived in and was thrilled to be close to her Texas grandkids where she could attend their events and see them on a regular basis. Being their "Grammy" brought her so much joy. Later on, her great-grandchildren would come and visit and bring a big smile to her face.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her younger brothers, Sigurd Jr. and Calvin Jerry Thorson; her first husband, Jack C. Penticuff; her daughter, Penny; her great-granddaughter, Dana Lynn True; and her step-granddaughter, Emily.
She is survived by her husband, Phil; her daughter, Pam (Mike) Murad; five grandchildren, Jackie (Matt) Pfister, Michael (Monica) Murad, Julia (Stephen) Slush, Trisha (Dwayne) True, and Mike Goodwin; and six great-grandchildren, Christina, Clara, Rose, Ryan, Lalya, and Jack; her stepdaughter, Sheri (Troy) Gunderson; her stepson, Craig Fabricius; three step-grandchildren, Natalie (Austin) Dvirnak, Parker (Cheyenne) Gunderson, and Tommy Gunderson; and seven step-great-grandchildren, Olivia, Elaina, Micah, Mileah, Everly, Luna, and Zamara; her nephew, Steven Thorson; her niece, Karin (Scott) Grimm; and her niece, Marilyn (Bill) Bates.

Marie was a patient, caring, devoted, faithful woman with a very big heart and will be missed dearly by her family.

A memorial service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church (1919 Independence Pkwy, Plano, TX) on April 11, 2026 at 11:00am.