Marian Andrew Magnusson, 96, of Orem, UT, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2022 of causes incident to age. Born on May 2, 1926 in Portland, OR, to Walter and Florence James Andrew, she had an older brother and a younger brother and sister. As a youth, she navigated the public transportation of Portland day and night to get herself to school, jobs, and church located distances away. She later said this helped her confidence and self-reliance.
An expert typist and stenographer, Marian worked for Bethlehem Steel Co. in Portland following high school as a secretary for four years during World War II and during the post-war years. Her experiences at work built her resolve to continue living correct principles. She planned to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but when the missionary age for sisters was raised to 23, she enrolled in BYU instead. Marian worked continuously as a secretary on campus and in industry to support herself at BYU. She loved learning as well as the entire experience in Provo, and valued her relationships with her roommates that became lifelong. During her fourth year, she was introduced by a mutual friend to George Magnusson from South Gate, CA, with whom she shared a class. They were married in the Logan Temple on June 1, 1951. The closeness and quality of their relationship was unique.
George’s career in high school education took the couple to southern California, where they lived in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and later in Torrance. Marian was a devoted support and home manager for her very busy husband.
Firm in her faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, she served in the Relief Society as a counselor and secretary, ward Primary president, counselor, secretary, and teacher, Cub Scout leader, and clerical assistant in the Los Angeles Temple office. She assisted in the open houses of both the Los Angeles and Mount Timpanogos Temples, later serving in the baptistry in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.
In January 1989, George and Marian were called as the first mission president and companion of the new Utah Provo Mission. Following their mission, they moved to Orem where Marian served as treasurer in their home owners association, and transcriber to the stake patriarch—George.
Marian loved reading biographies, American and Church history and gospel subjects, textiles, sewing, home decorating, wood furniture finishing and re-finishing, and visiting historical sites. A favorite family vacation was camping in Yosemite National Park. Since childhood she had a love for the Oregon coast and enjoyed getting away there with George.
Facing multiple episodes with cancer and injuries, as well as supporting her husband as he ended mortality in 2014, Marian cites 1 Nephi 3:7 as helping her “pull through a lot of tight places and challenging assignments.” She always maintained her positive attitude about life. She was a genuine friend, perceptive, and an interested listener to all she met.
She is survived by their four children: David (Aliece), Scott (Kathleen), Karen (Stan Albrecht), and Eric (Caralee). Grandmother to 25 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren, Marian always had a warm heart, welcome home, and something tasty for her posterity.
The family extends their sincerest gratitude to Covington Senior Living in Orem for all the wonderful care and friendship provided.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 10, at Sharon Park 2nd Ward, 225 E 200 N, Orem, UT 84057, at 11:00 a.m. Friends visited with the family from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. The service was live streamed at www.walkersanderson.com. Interment was at the Orem City Cemetery.
