Marianne Edwina Dufour

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died November 2, 2021

Marianne Edwina Dufour, age 89, of Escanaba peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 surrounded by family at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.

Marianne was born July 25, 1932 in Escanaba, the daughter of Edwin and Marion (Arnold) Henriksen. She was united in marriage to Robert J. Dufour on July 19, 1952. The two were married for 58 years until “Duff”’s passing in March of 2010. Together they raised a family of six children to later include 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren which is an accomplishment all on its own. There was no question of her love for family, and together they proved that with a lot of faith in God, love, and very hard work anything is possible.

For many years Marianne worked as a switch board operator for OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. She met an array of people and created lasting relationships and friendships. She truly enjoyed her time there and often talked about it whenever she had the opportunity.

Marianne was well known by family for her love of all things clean, her ever famous holiday pies, Christmas cookies, Christmas music, and her deep running faith in God. She had a great love for spending time with her children and grandchildren and was lucky enough to meet and see life full circlewith her great-grandchildren. In her younger years she could be found with her family hosting picnics at Fox Park in the summer, or she and Duff would travel to visit her children and their families that lived outside of Escanaba. Her family home could be found on Christmas Eve filled with family, lots of children, and the best kind of chaos. It may have been hard to walk through her living room because of the wrapping paper and toys freshly opened, but she smiled in her chair with her Christmas drink in hand. She kept close to home, but she thoroughly enjoyed when loved ones came to sit with her and visit, especially in her later years.

She had a warm heart for the many pets that spent their lifetime in her care. She will finally be reunited with her beloved dog Shania, and her cat Ginger provided her great companionship in the time they had together.

Marianne had a strong faith in God, and a special relationship with St. Jude. Oftentimes her family would call upon her to pray to him when they were in a time of need or needed some extra prayers. She was always one that could be counted on for prayers, a rosary, her faith, and trusting in God’s timing. It was joked that she made her mark on St. Jude and he put her “requests” at the top of his list. She continued in her faith no matter the circumstances or how difficult life may have been at times.

Marianne left her mark on this earth with a giving heart, and big smile. She was admired for and proved her strength, her stubborn will, and lived her life taking care of those she loved. Her butterfly kisses and presence in many lives will be missed dearly.

Marianne is survived by her children, Mary Kay (the late Tim) Kobasic, Robert (Pamela) Dufour, Patti (David) Howe, Karen (Thomas) Ritter, Anne Bricker and Lisa (Jeff) Derus; 21 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren; siblings, Marty (Jerre) Henriksen, Ann Henriksen, Dale (Andrea) Henriksen, Karen Cassin and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. Dufour, her parents, siblings Edward (Vivian) Henriksen, Arnold Henriksen, Madalyn (Raymond) Anderson and Beverly (Clemont) Sharkey, son-in-law, Tim Kobasic and brother-in-law, William Cassin.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 6 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 AM with Fr. Tim Ferguson officiating. Marianne will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

14 Tributes for “Marianne Edwina Dufour”

    You will be truly missed ! We will miss your laughter and the fun get togethers whether it was the Holiday seasons or summers at the lake with you and Duff.

    I am so sorry for your loss and a big loss it is. Marianne was the switchboard operator/lifeline at OSF for years. We called her our SMOOTH OPERATOR. She was dedicated, reliable and fun was her middle name. I loved this beautiful lady. We all did.

    I only new Marianne from her wonderful dog, Shanya. I groomed her dog for many many years, but over these years we became very close and I think she was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. I feel privileged to have had her in my life with her beautiful smile and sweet disposition and I miss her. Rest in peace Marianne I know you will be happy to be reunited with Robert.

    Karen, Mary Kay, Patti, and your entire family. I will always remember your mothers cheerful voice when she answered the switchboard at OSF. Her warm and happy smile to greet you when you met! Dearest lady.

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marianne’s family and friends. I had the honor to work with Bob for years at the Civic Center and their daughter Patti too.
    After my retirement I delivered flowers to Marianne several times and had great conversations with her during that time. She never wanted me to leave.
    She will be greatly missed.

    Tom and Sue Penegor

    My heartfelt sympathy to Marianne’s family. I enjoyed bringing Marianne communion on Sunday before covid hit. She was always so thankful and appreciative; I have missed her. May she Rest In Peace.

    So good to be with the dear DuFour family to celebrate this precious legacy of Bob and Mariann. Love you all dearly. So thankful for the deep demonstration of love for family. You are forever in our hearts.

    Love to everyone! Marianne was a Grandma to me and we had the best visits when Liza and I were Candystriping!

    My heart is there with you all.

    Heather Morin

    Marianne was one of the kindest ladies I have ever met. She greeted everyone with a winning smile. She will be missed by her family and friends.

    John and I send our condolences to Marianne’s family and wish you peace in the wonderful memories you have of her. For us, as physicians at OSF and on call for many, many years, she was the voice on the switchboard phone that made that “one more call” pleasant.
    Thank you for your ever present kind and calming voice and beautiful personality! We will always remember you.

    Just now seeing the news of the passing of your Mom, Patti.
    Being new to the Pearson/ Howe Family, I only met and visited with her once or twice, but was very impressed with her Sweet, Friendly Personality.
    I know she will be missed.
    Thoughts and prayers to You and David and Families.
    Lafon Pearson

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