Marie Florence Orella, 93

Marie Florence Orella, of Stevens Point, passed away on February 6, 2023, at the age of 93.

Marie was the only child of Irwin and Florence (née Nelson) Becker of Beaver Dam, Wis. She was born in Milwaukee on March 12, 1929, and at the age of 2, her family moved to Beaver Dam. Marie attended St. Peter’s grade school and graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1947.

Marie went on to attend and graduate from St. Mary’s School of X-Ray Technology in Wausau, in 1950, where she met Francis “Fran” Orella.

On May 26, 1951, Marie married Fran and the two moved to Stevens Point, where they went on to have seven beautiful children together. They enjoyed 57 blissful years together, until Fran’s passing in July of 2008.

While Marie devoted most of her life to taking care of her children, she did work outside of the home at different times; as an x-ray technician and later as an inventory clerk.

Marie was a devoted Catholic. As a member of Holy Spirit Parish, she was an active member of the Rosary Society, participated in bible study groups, and was a Eucharistic minister.

She was an active volunteer in the community; she helped with Meals on Wheels and enjoyed volunteering at the Holly Shoppe. Marie enjoyed knitting and crocheting, playing bridge and dominoes, reading, and enjoying the company of her Tuesday lunch group.

Marie is lovingly survived by her two daughters, Mary (Mike) Casteel of Gresham, OR, and Kathy (Paul) Parish of Green Bay; four sons, Michael (Linda) of Stevens Point, Joseph (Janet) of Marshfield, David “Ned” of Stevens Point, and Tom (Chris) of Sherwood; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a brother-in-law, Lynn Gordon, of Mosinee.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Fran, and an infant daughter, Jean Marie.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at North Ridge Assisted Living and to Moments Hospice; especially Amanda and Marissa.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made in Marie’s name to Holy Spirit Parish or Pacelli Catholic Schools.

A Mass of Catholic Burial will take place on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 2151 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Rev. Don Pryzbylski will officiate.

Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Guardian Angel Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.