Marie Theresa Nordin

Marie Zeisz Nordin, OFS, 91, of Sandpoint, Idaho, entered into eternal life on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, 2020.

Marie was born in San Francisco, California to parents Oscar Zeisz and Otilia Quiroz, on September 10, 1928. She was raised in a devout Catholic home with two brothers and one sister. She attended St. Paul’s Elementary and St. Paul’s High School, San Francisco, graduating in 1947. Thus, began a life well-grounded in the Roman Catholic Faith.

Marie grew up in a happy home as part of a loving family, where singing and dancing was a major part of life. Her dad sang in the men’s choir at church, and her mom played the piano. Marie sang in school and church choirs, beginning at the age of eight. During her teen years, her older brother, George, was her swing and jitterbug dance partner, chaperoning her at countless dances in San Francisco during the Big Band era.

In November of 1949, Marie married World War II Naval veteran, Robert James Nordin. This union was blessed with one daughter and three sons. While raising her children, Marie was active in their various school, scouting, church, and sports activities.

By God’s grace, Marie’s entire life was guided by her love of God and her Catholic faith. As a young adult, Marie was drawn to St. Francis of Assisi’s charisms of peace, love, and living in the manner of the Holy Gospel. In 1961, she made her profession into the Third Order of St. Francis, today known as the Secular Franciscan Order. Since then, she remained an active member in the Franciscan family.

Marie was a trained soprano, and a long-time member of a Sweet Adeline chorus in northern California. Her chorus took 3rd Place in the international competition in 1992. Marie took college level classes in areas of interest to her: archeology, voice, and theology. In 1993, after retiring from the business office at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Marie moved to Sandpoint to be near her daughter’s family.

Marie was involved in many church ministries throughout her life, including Mass lector, Eucharistic minister, CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) teacher, Peace & Justice volunteer, Rosary leader, choir member, Secular Franciscan fraternity councilor, vacation Bible school volunteer, and Legion of Mary Auxiliary member. She was also a member of the St. Joseph’s Good Shepherd Bible Study group for twenty-seven years.

She is survived by children: Janet (Doug) Vann, Bob (Francesca), Greg (Kathy), and Jeff (Lisa); seven grandchildren: Adam, Angela, Heather, Justin, Marie, Rhiannon, and Vanessa; and three great-grandchildren: Dawson, Ignatius, and Lydia. She is pre-deceased by her parents, siblings, husband, and two unborn great grand-children.

Marie’s family is grateful for the beautiful ministries of Bonner General Home Health and Bonner General Hospice. God bless you and the work you do on behalf of our dear elderly and infirm in this community. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude for the loving care and attention given to Mom at Luther Park Assisted Living, her home for two and a half years. Many of you on the staff, as well as many residents, became Mom’s dear friends.

A Memorial Mass in celebration of Marie’s life will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Sandpoint, Idaho at a future date, when her friends and family can come together. Please pray for Covid-19 victims and their families.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph Church Building Fund, 601 S. Lincoln Avenue, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

“Remember when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received, only what you have given: a heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”

St. Francis of Assisi.