- Date Of Birth: February 27, 1926
- Date Of Death: November 7, 2017
- State: Idaho
On November 7th, 2017, Marion Virginia (Vastine) Van Dongen passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s hospital in Meridian, ID.
Marion was born Feb. 27, 1926, the only child to Robert Kinni Vastine and Nellie Corrine (Swan) Vastine in Grass Creek, Wyoming. She was raised in rural settings throughout the West, primarily in Wyoming, Montana, Canada, and Colorado where her father worked in the oil fields. She described the challenges of entertaining herself in very rural settings with humor, and as a result developed an avid interest for reading. She attended one room schools, reporting that she was able to advance her learning by listening to the lessons of the upper grades, eventually skipping a grade when she returned from Canada to Montana. They settled in Cut Bank Montana where they raised sheep. Marion graduated from Cut Bank High School, class of 1943… a class of 40. Marion often recounted, with sadness, how many of her graduating class were killed in World War II.
This rural upbringing created strong intestinal fortitude, and a solid personal foundation, which would be tested as she encountered one of her life’s great challenges. In 1952, at the age of 26, along with many across the nation, she was stricken with Polio and was paralyzed from the waist down. Her children recall the immerse effort of her rehabilitation and the incredible pain she endured. After being told she may never walk again, Marion set a goal of not just walking, but walking in high heels. She not only accomplished this goal, but did so with beautiful grace and style. Marion continued a full life of raising a family, working, and enjoying life with a can-do spirit.
Marion held several secretarial and administrative jobs, eventually becoming employed with the Saving & Loan League of Colorado. She worked her way through the ranks and became Vice President where she remained until retirement. Not being content with not working, Marion then took up a new career in real estate sales as a Broker/Agent in the Denver area. She was also one to donate her time and resources to others who were less fortunate, and was quite active in the Cancer League of Colorado.
She married her loving husband Ron in 1978. They were fortunate to experience many world travels, which they both loved immensely. Among their destinations were Spain, England, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany.
Around 2004, post-polio syndrome crept into her life and her mobility was again challenged; activities became more difficult and painful. Marion remained strong, graceful, and always optimistic and full of grace. The devotion and care by her husband during these trying times helped her maintain a good quality of life.
Marion is survived by her husband, Ronald Van Dongen of Eagle, ID; son, Michael Bishop and his partner Richard Chamberlin of Louisville, CO; daughter, Marianne (Bishop) Robinson and her husband Jerry Robinson of Eagle, ID; step-son, Chap Van Dongen and his wife Kristy Van Dongen of Littleton, CO; step-daughter, Teda Stanton and her husband Ron Stanton of Aurora, CO; grandson, Bill Schultz and his daughter Emma Jo Schultz of Eagle, ID; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nellie Vastine, and step-daughter, Lucy Williams.
Marion will be sadly missed.
