Marion M. Pino, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7 of natural causes. The second of four children, she was born in St. Peter MN on February 10, 1934. Her parents, George and Esther Schauer, were farmers and Marion attended a one room country school until high school. After graduating high school, Marion went to secretarial school, and her first job was with the Lake Crystal school district in MN. A few years later, she adventurously joined some of her teacher friends in moving to San Bernardino CA for a job as a medical secretary. It was there that she met her husband John. Their family soon included three children: Joe, Cathy, and Sue.
Marrying a member of the Air Force meant many moves for Marion and family: Alaska, Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas, and California. When John retired from a distinguished 20-year career in 1974, the family moved to Pennsylvania. Marion’s special touch can be seen in every room of the home that they made, where she lived for 52 years.
Marion was a career CEO and CFO for the family. She enjoyed cooking, baking, music, crossword puzzles, her flower gardens, crafting, and Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. While John was the dreamer, she was the implementer. (He jovially volunteered to plan class reunions, but everyone knew who was the organizer behind them.) A lifelong learner, she was active in her church wherever she called home, and was always curious and interested in studying and learning about the Bible. After settling in Pennsylvania, the family joined Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church in Punxsutawney, PA, and here she served in numerous roles during her 50+ years there: Sunday School teacher, secretary, president of the Tabitha Ladies’ Aid, VBS coordinator and teacher, confirmation teacher, and beloved mentor to the young women who are now the church leaders. She always took an interest in both supporting and hosting ministry beyond the church doors.
Marion and John avidly supported their kids’ many interests in theater, music, and sports, and enjoyed volunteering for field trips, concession sales, and other activities. They showed up for every play, concert, game, spelling bee, parent conference, graduation, and more. They were bonus parents for many of their kids’ friends, as well as students at the local college who attended church with them. Sunday spaghetti dinners are a fond memory for many.
After they became empty nesters, John and Marion enjoyed travel in the U.S. and abroad. Memorable trips included a tour of state capitals and a visit to Branson, MO. In 1990, they took an extended European vacation, with a tour of Germany and Austria, the Oberamergau Passion Play, visits to Marion’s ancestors’ homes, and a visit with John’s extended family in Italy. When John suffered a stroke in 2003, their life became more limited, but Marion still made sure John got to conferences, football games, church, and other things. She was his faithful caregiver for nearly 20 years and their doctor credited his remarkable longevity to her steady presence and care. When he passed in 2020, they were just a few months shy of their 60th anniversary.
There is so much to say about a person’s life that can’t fit into one summary; Marion was beloved by everyone who knew her, and known for her kindness, quiet generosity, good humor, and life of faith. She was grounded in love, for God and neighbor, and her life radiated that love all around. The world was blessed to have her in it, and we who were loved by her carry on that legacy.
Marion was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Betty; and brothers Henry and David.. She is survived by her children Joe, Cathy, and Sue; beloved granddaughters Miranda and Samantha; beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following organizations: Compassion International (www.compassion.com); Martin Luther Ev. Lutheran Church (230 N Penn, Punxsutawney, PA 15767).
We will celebrate Marion’s life on Friday, Sept. 18 at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home in Indiana PA (898 Old Rte 119 Hwy N). Visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., service at 4:00. On Monday, Sept. 21, Marion will be interred with John at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Pittsburgh. Time TBD. (1158 Morgan Rd, Bridgeville, PA). All are welcome for both occasions.
