Marion died on March 30, 2026 at Eventide, Fargo. A memorial service for family will be held at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, 215 7th Street S, Fargo on April 18, 2026, with visitation at 1 p.m. and service beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Marion Elaine Sorenson was born on September 11, 1926 to Marinus (Mike) and Johanna Mathilda (Tillie) Holm Sorenson in Fergus Falls, MN. The family moved to NE Minneapolis in June 1937. Marion graduated from Edison High School, and then worked for the appliance division of General Mills until her marriage to fellow Edison graduate John ('Jack") O'Donnell on October 29, 1949. They moved to Albert Lea, MN shortly after marriage, where they lived until 1971, when they moved to Fargo, ND. They split time between Fargo and a house on W Battle Lake for a number of years, then spent summers at the lake and winters in the south. They lived in Green Valley, AZ for 13 years before returning to Fargo in 2008.

Marion had beautiful "Palmer method" handwriting. She was an expert budgeter and savvy shopper. She sewed clothes for herself, her daughters, and her mother, as well as doll clothes and stuffed toys for family members. Embroidery, cross-stitch, and counted cross-stitch were also favorite hobbies until arthritis made those too difficult. She switched to putting together puzzles until she wasn't able to differentiate colors due to macular degeneration. She was a cancer survivor of over 40 years.

She could be found most often in the kitchen: cooking, baking, or canning. She actually enjoyed mowing the lawn, whether a push or electric mower, but didn't really enjoy being in or on bodies of water. While living in Arizona, she enjoyed the Sonoran Desert Museum, especially the butterfly house, and seeing productions at the Gaslight Theater in Tucson.

While raising her family, she volunteered as a room mother/classroom party planner, Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, and 4-H project leader for clothing and food. During their years in Green Valley, AZ, she volunteered at The White Elephant (a resale shop with all proceeds going to charity) and was in a sewing club. She was active in her church circles for many years. She and her husband were recognized by River View Place in 2012 for their work refinishing windows in 115 apartments, and kitchen cabinets in another 12 units.

Marion is survived by her husband, John ("Jack"), four children: Kathleen (David) Michaelson, Elaine (Barry) Bergem, James (Ruth) O'Donnell, and Michael (Lisa) O'Donnell. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Mark (Cindi) Michaelson, Jenny Michaelson, Christopher (Sondra) Bergem, Cindy (Jay) Mauritson, Kyle (Tiffany) Bergem, Kayla (John) Cochems and Adam Bergem, Rachel (Rory) Olson, Alan (Joy) O'Donnell, and Carly O'Donnell, Dylan O'Donnell and Emily O'Donnell; and by 18 great-grandchildren: Livvy and Jolie Michaelson, Riley Bergem, Zach Anderson, Ryan, Louie and Edison Mauritson, Kelsey, Ethan and Kylie Bergem, Christian, Beckett and Bella Cochems, Leif and Erik Olson, Sylvie, Marie, and June O'Donnell.