Marion L. Sundquist

Marion Sundquist, 86, formerly of New Buffalo now of Sitka, Alaska, died at the Sitka Pioneer Home on December 27, 2010. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held on May 31, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. Marion’s final resting place will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Marion was born Marion Walker in Imlay City, MI in 1924. In 1955, after graduating from nursing school , she met and married George Sundquist. The Sundquist’s made their home in New Buffalo where Marion had a long career as a registered nurse – first at a local hospital and later for the New Buffalo school district. Marion’s life was centered in her family and community. She volunteered to dispense medicine and delivered meals to home-bound elderly, she was troop leader for Brownies and Girl Scouts, and she was camp nurse at the Girl Scouts summer camp where her daughters attended. Marion was a founding member of the Dunes Lutheran Church in Michigan City, where she is remembered still for her voice in the choir. After George died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1985, Marion traveled frequently by land, sea, and air, and enjoyed many adventures with friends and family. At home she enjoyed music, lectures, golf, dancing, visits from friends and family, and walks with her handsome poodle, Pierre. She found purpose in helping others in all kinds of ways, and had fun creating weekly social events to which she always made sure to invite the newly widowed. Marion began to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease in 2004 and at her daughter’s insistence moved to Sitka, Alaska, to be nearer to them. She was watched over daily by daughter Kristine, and visited by the rest of her family on many occasions. Residents and caretakers at the Sitka Pioneer Home remember Marion’s ever-present smile, her intense response to music, and her lovable disposition. Marion had a great capacity for friendliness, and her outlook on life was always optimistic. Her family will miss her constant love and support, and with her many friends they will always cherish the memory of her heart-free laugh, which was as inspiring as music. Marion is survived by her daughters, Kristen Fulton of Sitka, Alaska and Kathleen Wayne of Juneau, Alaska; her sons-in-law, John Fulton and Dan Wayne; and grandchildren, Owen and Connor Fulton, and Nelli and Anna Wayne; and many other relatives and friends.