Marion J. Burnside

Marion Jeanette Burnside, 91, died peacefully on January 28, 2023, at Meadow Wind Assisted Living, holding hands with her friend, Jo Ann Williams, as they prayed their daily prayers together.

Marion was born on March 2, 1931, to Ernest Leroy Murphy and Nancy Meade Murphy (known to her family as "Honey", a nickname given to her by her first born son, Albert). Marion was the sixth of nine children: Albert, Francis, George, Robert, Charlotte, Nancy, Margaret and Stewart. All of her siblings preceded her in going to the Lord. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews in whom she always took an interest.

After graduating from Longmont, Colorado High School, Marion began her discernment in life by studying with the Sisters of the Transfiguration, the Sisters of the Holy Nativity, and the Sisters of St. Benedict. This period of discernment took her from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to West Malling, England, to California, and back to Denver. She then had numerous jobs, including being on operator for the phone company.

On September 7, 1968, she married James Wiley Burnside in Denver, Colorado. She and Jim were happily married for 32 years and lived in Casper where Jim passed away in December of 2000. Although she and Jim had no children, Marion had a great heart for children. She and Jim opened their hearts and home to many people, young and old, and several were happy to become her "adopted" sons and daughters. Marion's spiritual motherhood also extended to praying fervently for unborn babies in danger of abortion.

It was in Casper that Marion became a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Marion had a very strong prayer life and was particularly dedicated to the teachings of the Divine Will. She also had a loving zeal in promoting devotion to, and love of, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, as well as a dedication to Eucharistic Adoration. Her ministries took her all over town and between the three Catholic parishes, as well as to the hospital and homes of shut-ins to serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Her energy and enthusiasm were boundless.

Before beginning her journey with dementia, everyone knew where Marion was because she always wore a hat and drove her Honda in a zippy manner. Being quite diminutive in her later years, the only thing that was visible to onlookers was the steering wheel of her Honda with a hat on top of it!

Marion was a very gracious and giving lady of grace. Her attitude of gratitude was contagious! All who were blessed to have known her will miss her.

There will be a Vigil at Newcomer Casper Chapel on Tuesday, January 31, at 6:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 10:30 AM, on Wednesday, February 1. Interment will be at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery following the Mass, and a reception will be provided in the Commons at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to True Care Women's Resource Center of Casper.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.