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Mary Marxen Obituary
Mary Palda Marxen Fort Wright, TX
Mary Palda Marxen, born October 22, 1935 died peacefully surrounded by family on January 3, 2013.
Born and raised in St. Paul, MN, she was the daughter of Charles and Loretta Palda. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Barry University in Florida.
She became a nun, joining the Dominican Sisters in Adrian, MI in 1955. She taught vocal music and choral performance at Rosary High School in Detroit, MI, shared her music and gave inspirational talks to prisoners in the Detroit area, and recorded several albums while earning her Master's Degree in vocal performance from Catholic University in Washington D.C. Mary left the convent in 1970, and in the next seven months she became a secretary, big band singer, a wife and mother.
In November of 1970, she married Dr. Norman L. Marxen, a surgeon in northwest Ohio and the father of four children. They shared a full life together, until a tragic airplane crash took his life on June 23, 1983. She was the choir director of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Van Wert, OH, directed the Sweet Adeline Choir, and became involved in Civic Theater in Fort Wayne, IN. She later moved to the Cincinnati area and became involved in oil and water color painting. She has taught water color classes for many years, and several of her paintings were award winning. Several times a week she gave programs of music and inspiration.
In Naples, FL she had leading roles in the dinner theater productions of "Show Boat," "Sound of Music," and "Music Man." Mary founded the Triple Crown Doll Club in the Cincinnati area, was a member of the Florence, Kentucky Women's Club, sang in the choir and cantored at St. Timothy Church. Mary was wellknown for her love of her many dogs, collecting antique dolls and teddy bears, her positive attitude, her kindness and generosity, her energy and the gift of her time, her loyalty to her friends, and most of all, her love of her family.
She is survived by stepdaughters, Dr. Pamela Marxen (Dr. Kevin) Kelly and their children, Brendan, Evan, Caitrin, Erin; Karen (Iver ) Sondrol and their children Carl and Ann; step-son Dr. Thomas (Dr. Victoria) Marxen and their children Chad, Lance, Troy, and Gina. Step-son Dr. Jeffrey Marxen preceded her in death, and his children are Phillip, Jeffrey, Marissa. Mary is also survived by brother, John Palda and sister Elizabeth Palda and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 2808 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206. Visitation at Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike in Fort Wright, KY on Thursday, January 10th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Timothy Church, 10272 US 42, Union, KY on Friday, January 11th at 11:00 a.m.
Burial will be Monday, January 14th at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert, OH at 12:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to: middendorf-funeralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Marxen
February 7, 2013
Sr. Felix was my favorite Nun while attending Rosary High School..."Blue Star" a song she recorded during that time stays in my musical memory. Roberta Ahern
Cynthia Zimber
February 5, 2013
Mary, "Sister Felix" was my favorite teacher at Rosary High. She was very high energy, extremely talented and a great inspiration; I was blessed to know her. Peace and love to her family.
February 1, 2013
RIP Sister Felix, your memory lives on!
Maureen Delaney-Worden
January 27, 2013
In my senior year at Rosary(1963), I took voice lessons from Sr. Felix (Mary). She gave me the confidence to sing solos. I just loved her. Later, after she left the convent, I went to see her at a concert she did at Mercy College. She remembered me, it was amazing. She was a great person! I know she is with God and the angels.
January 24, 2013
The Philharmonic Center for the Arts extends our sincere sympathy to the family and celebrates the life of Mary Marxen, a loyal patron of the arts.
January 21, 2013
Dear Marxen family, I also had Sr. Felix during my freshman year. She was such an inspiration and instilled in us a love of music forever. God bless you all as you mourn her passing.
Rita Cassidy
January 21, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Marxen, Kelly and Palda families. Mary never met a person she didn't like and vice versa! Our friendship was a very important part of my life and I have cherished memories of the time we spent together. Her spirit will always be with me. May God help you through your sorrow.
Kathleen Kennedy Saylor
January 20, 2013
Sister shared her love of music with us at Rosary High School.Our class song was "Smile" and I do that now thinking of Sister Felix.
Carole Kreucher Townsend
January 20, 2013
I am sure that you are singing with the angels in heaven now. We at Rosary High School were so blessed to have had you in our presence. Our thoughts and Prayers to your family.
Connie & Jerry Sell
January 20, 2013
Mary was such a wonderful person to be around. While she was in Van Wert and for many years after we enjoyed her company but as her world expanded we were only graced by her great Christmas Letters, not her company. We know heaven will rejoyce at her coming.
January 20, 2013
I remember Sr. Felix as the most vivacious, attractive, loving sister at Rosary. Her persona along with her singing made her so special. We all felt special to be in her class.
Patty Hurley, Rosary High School, class of '72.
Diane Wegrzyn Zaya
January 20, 2013
I had Sr. Felix at Rosary High School from 1962 to 1964. She taught me how to sing in melody as I was a second soprano. I thought of her many times through the years. Rest in peace Sr. Felix. My prayers go out to her family.
Susan Schmitz
January 20, 2013
I too was a student at rosary high School when Mary taught us music. She was Sr. Felix in those days but I will always remember her zest for life and for her music, her spirit and vivacity. She will be missed. God bless Sr. Felix.
Linda Assemany Born
January 19, 2013
I am a Rosary High Grad 1967. Mary (Sister Felix)was an inspiration to us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Marxen family. She was a beautiful person.
January 19, 2013
You were a kind and lovely sister and i will always remember you. I was a student of yours from Rosary High School'Rita Banas Very sorry for your lose to the family.
Linda Schaefer
January 18, 2013
Sr Felix was the best music teacher in the world. She is also a very beautiful lady. Thank-You, Class of 1972
Sound of Music the best play!
Barb Wenglinski-Dempkowski
January 18, 2013
Had Sr. Felix for choral for 2 years and geography freshman year at Rosary High School. Sr. made geography come alive and I have never gotten lost on any trips I have been on. I loved her for choral, even though I couldn't sing! She had the voice of an angel! Good bye, Sister, sing lullabyes to the Infant Jesus now!
Mary Ann Littlefield
January 17, 2013
I so enjoyed having Sr. Felix as my choral instructor for four years at Rosary High. She sang with such joy that it infected each young woman in her class. We were the lucky ones who had her in our lives for that short time. Blessings and condolences to her friends and family.
Fran Piper
January 15, 2013
I first met Mary when I joined doll club and she was a beautiful 'doll' herself! I hope her doll collection will find a good home! She will be missed by all who knew her. R.I.P., Mary
Mary Lee
January 13, 2013
Sister Felix was my homeroom teacher for my freshman year of high school. She was a wonderful person, so full of life! I know she inspired many with her beautiful voice and spunky spirit!
Suzanne Haas
January 12, 2013
I was a student at Rosary High School when Sr. Felix was the music teacher. She was an utter delight. All the girls loved her. I have such wonderful memories of those days...and what a voice.
Bonnie Williams
January 12, 2013
I am a former student from Rosary High School in Detroit. Sister Felix(as she was then) was a true inspiration. She instilled a love of music in me that has remained a constant in my life ever since. My condolences to her family.
Lu Lane
January 12, 2013
Mary will be missed by us all. She was an angel doing God's work while here on earth. Mary was so talented and always a positive influence for all she was around. Her paintings took my breath away. To her family...thanks for sharing her with us. I know I am a better person for having known her. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
January 11, 2013
Mary and I were classmates at Barry before she left for the convent. She always told me I should be a nun and I did follow her one year later. I felt that she prayed me into the convent. She was always a source of joy and inspiration to those around her. I have so many funny and happy memories of things she did to bring happiness to others. I am sure she is leading the heavenly choir now.
Jean Crane, OP
Steven Tanurdzic
January 10, 2013
Mary
Zelim Ti Vjecni Mir.
Steven Tanurdzic
EIA LAMPE
January 10, 2013
Thank You For Everything,i will always Remember You.
EIA.......C.R.S.
Don & Carol Hurd
January 10, 2013
Our thoughts and prayer's are with you and your family. Mary will be greatly missed by all she has touched. Don & Carol Hurd
Beth Ryan
January 9, 2013
Dear Mary, I am Missing your smile, your lyrical voice, your sunshine attitude towards life, and your joy. I wish I had One more opportunity to visit with you.
Judith Biedenharn
January 9, 2013
Sadness is the word in my heart learning of Mary's death. She was the kind of woman that you hope you meet in life. I was lucky to meet Mary and enjoyed her wonderful stories of life and lucky to hear her beautiful voice.Now she sings with the angels for our Lord. She was an inspration to many people.I was lucky to know her.
robin whitten
January 9, 2013
You touched us all with your happiness and your supreme artistic ability. I will remember your smile and your happy stories always. Robin Whitten
January 9, 2013
You were one of the most unique and talented people I have ever known. Enjoyed your personality and love of God and life. You lived life to the fullest and we at St. Timothy will miss you.
January 8, 2013
I will always remember you, Mary. I enjoyed singing next to you in Saint Timothy's choir. Your voice and sense of humor makes you unforgettable. Many thanks for the watercolor paintings I have in our home. May you be with God singing for everyone. Don't forget to pray for me, Mary, as I will be praying for you.
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