1920 – 2013

NORWAY — Marion Scherner Florenz, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Norway Center for Health and Rehabilitation.

Marion was born in Middletown, Conn., on March 10, 1920, to John and Lena Scherner. She was the youngest of four children. Called “Gus” by her parents, she graduated from Punchard High School in Andover, Mass., in 1938, where she played basketball. She also played the trumpet in the family band. She continued her education at Lawrence General Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in 1943.

Marion answered her country’s call to duty during World War II, joining the Army as a second lieutenant. After basic training at Fort Devens, she was stationed in Hawaii, Tinian and Iwo Jima. She was responsible for setting up field hospitals and caring for the sick and wounded, until the war was over. After finishing her service, she was an active veteran throughout her life.

In 1948, she married John S. Florenz and they settled in Methuen, Mass. They had three sons, Paul, Russell and Steven. She was a caring mother who enabled her children to excel and a devoted wife, aiding her husband in his endeavors. When her children were grown, she reattained her nursing certification and worked as charge nurse at the Town Manor Nursing Home in Lawrence, Mass.

After John’s death in 1981, Marion moved to Sand Pond in Norway. She became an active member of the Second Congregational Church, participating in the Women’s Fellowship and the Bell Choir, and serving coffee to the congregants for more than 20 years. She remained independent, driving and keeping her own residence, until the age of 89. Marion loved to watch the Red Sox and “General Hospital,” and had a passion for ice cream.

Predeceased by her sister, Barbara Deyermond, and brothers, Nelson and John Scherner, Marion is survived by her three sons and their spouses: Paul and Jane, Russell and Judy and Steven and Deb. She was the grandmother to Sarah, Mark, Andrew, Catherine, Martha and Mathias. She was the great-grandmother to Shea, Dmitri, Leo, Carmen, Cam, John and Sasha. All of us who knew her, love her and will miss her very much.