Marion Teresa Chichura Merrigan Laustsen, age 94, of Starr, SC, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, at AnMed Medical Center.

Born January 25, 1929, in Scranton, PA, she was a daughter of the late Andrew Chichura and Annabelle Hogan Chichura. She was married to Melsen E. Laustsen until his death in 2003. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Tim Laustsen and Robert Merrigan.

Marion enjoyed a 50-year career as a registered nurse and teacher. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She loved farming but most of all she loved her family.

She is survived by her sons, Gary Laustsen (Henrietta) of North Plains, OR, Ken Laustsen (Angela) of Oakland, ME, Donald Laustsen (Joanne) of Dunellen, NJ, and Eric Laustsen (Carol) of Piscataway, NJ; daughter-in-law, Dottie Laustsen of Dunellen, NJ; sisters, Ann B. Aho (Dave) of The Villages, FL, and Arlene Danchak of Belleville, NJ; 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and very close friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm with a rosary service beginning at 6:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Philip S. Gillespie officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Following the committal, a reception will be held at the home, 2008 Flat Rock Rd., Starr, SC 29684.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, Anderson Free Clinic, Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), Salvation Army, or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

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