Marion Florence Lovejoy

Obituary Marion Lovejoy Marion Lovejoy passed away peacefully in Tacoma, WA, on December 3, 2009. A devoted daughter, wonderful wife and mother, and beloved "Nana" to her many grandchildren, she wrote three great "life chapters." Born Marion Florence Paukert on December 13, 1918, in Bismarck, ND, she was the sixth of eleven children. Her parents moved to Minnesota in 1920, settling near Owatonna, where Marion spent a happy childhood helping on the farm, playing school basketball, and participating in the state spelling bee. In high school she stayed out a year to help at home when her mother became ill, an early example of her selfless, loving nature. She later attended the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in St. Paul. That led to an Army nurse commission and her lifelong partner, Doug Lovejoy, then a dashing Infantry captain, whom she married in June of 1942, beginning "Chapter Two" ?" the gracious Army wife and loving mother. During the 30 years of Army life, Marion raised her eight children, while setting up homes from Germany to Hawaii and points in between. She remained the foundation stone throughout all the moves, new schools and life transitions of her large and vibrant family. Settling on Capitol Hill in Seattle following their final Army tour at Fort Lawton, Marion and Doug began the final chapter as "Nana and Papa." Marion greatly enjoyed visits from her many grandchildren, where her large blue and white kitchen radiated her inner warmth and loving spirit. These final years allowed time for bridge with her friends, visits with her children around the world, and Saturday afternoon Notre Dame football in the fall. Following Doug's death in 2002, Marion enjoyed the loving care of her children as she moved from one home to another for extended periods, always feeling "at home" with each child and their family. A true and faithful servant of the Lord, Marion epitomized living her faith by example, a gift she gave to her eight children. Her living legacy also includes 32 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Vigil will be held Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Church in Tacoma. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 7, 2009, at 11:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Church. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made by donating to www.4US.org or www.humanlife.net. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.