Marilyn K. Needham

Marilyn K. Needham obituary, Rowley, MA

Marilyn K. Needham

Marilyn Needham Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home on Oct. 1, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Marilyn Needham Obituary Marilyn Kay Sorenson was born October 9, 1935, to Esther and Arlo Sorensen in Viborg, South Dakota.
The family moved to Vanport, Oregon just in time for the historical Vanport flood of 1948 where they literally ran for their lives. Marilyn helped save the lives of her baby sisters.
Marilyn met her husband George while attending the Portland Oregon schools. She worked at a trucking company to help George finish college at the University of Portland. They had two sons, Christopher of Ipswich, Massachusetts and Andrew of Gold Canyon, Arizona.
Georges work took them to New Jersey until 1960, when they moved to Phoenix, and later to Scottsdale, Arizona. Starting in 1968, a series of overseas assignments with Motorola provided them the opportunity to live in Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. They returned to Scottsdale in the mid 1980s.
Marilyn loved playing bridge and tennis, reading, and caring for her children and grandchildren. Her only vice was drinking half a glass of Coors Light while making dinner. She also did the New York Times crossword puzzle every day. She did volunteer work at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale once her children were grown.
Preceding her in death were her ex-husband George, her parents, her sister Gail, and her brother Lyle. She is survived by her sons, her sisters Jan Rarity and Judi Sorenson of Oregon, and four grandchildren Eric, Emma, Susannah and Andrew.
Marilyn will be remembered and loved by family and lifelong friends.
Relatives and friends are invited for a Memorial Gathering on October 30, 2023, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. held at F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street, Rowley, Massachusetts.
~ Arrangements are Entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
Services
Memorial Gathering
Monday
October 30, 2023
4:00 PM
F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home
14 Independent Street
Rowley, MA 01969
Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Marilyn, please visit our Tree Store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Marilyn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Marilyn Needham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Marilyn Needham's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?