Marilyn K. Needham

     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.

George’s 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 1980’s.

     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 ~

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