Marie A. Nordby

Marie was born on March 27, 1925 in St. Paul, MN. She grew up in St. Paul’s Frogtown area with her parents, Joseph and Albina; sister, Bernice; and brothers, Joseph and Thomas. She attended St. Adalbert’s Church and School and graduated from Mechanic Arts High School.

Her husband, Newton, came from a family of 13 children, growing up in St. Paul’s Rondo area, not far from Marie’s home. It was Newt’s sister, Shirley and Marie’s sister, Bernice who played matchmaker. Newt and Marie corresponded regularly when he was in the service during World War II. Afraid that her daughter would be an “old maid”, Marie’s mother convinced Newt that he should join the Catholic Church. Marriage followed in 1947. They were married for 33 years when he died in 1980.

Her first job after high school was for an attorney and accountant in downtown St. Paul. She stayed there five years, leaving when she became pregnant. She eventually gave birth to eight children, returning to the workforce after each baby.

Marie and Newt moved to Roseville in 1952 and began attending St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where she has been a parishioner for 72 years. Once her children were older, Marie turned her attention to parish volunteering. She was an original member of the Altar and Rosary Society, including serving as president. She worked funeral lunches, was a long-time member of the funeral schola, and participated in the church’s musical productions.

All eight children attended the parish school. There was a Nordby child at the school for 25 consecutive years. After Newt died, Marie went to work for St. Rose of Lima as an assistant to the parish priest. For 13 years in the 80's and 90's, she was the smiling face and friendly voice that greeted visitors and callers to the Parish Center.

Marie was an active baker and cake decorator. She decorated wedding, birthday, 1st communion, graduation, and wedding/baby shower cakes for family and friends. Many of her cakes featured roses made out of frosting, her specialty. She even won ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair. In grade school and high school, she belonged to a polish dance group. Both of her parents immigrated from Poland and Marie was active in several local Polish groups.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Albina Gemza; husband, Newton Cornell; sister, Bernice (Bernard) Roberts; and brothers, Joseph (Karen) Gemza and Thomas (Patricia) Gemza.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl (William Muenster), Richard, Ronald (Beverly), Daniel (Eileen), Timothy (Joyce), Karen (Mark) Haider, John and Gina; grandchildren, Michael (Stephanie), Jason (Sarah), Emily (Jeremy) Eck, Alexandra (Cubby Haugen) Haider, Anna (Michael) Orlich, Heather (Toby) Hillmann, Brady (Jessica) Haider; great-grandchildren, Connor, Liam, Charlie, Emerson and Felix; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Tuesday, June 4 at ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2048 Hamline Ave N, Roseville. Visitation from 4 - 8 PM Monday at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-ROSEVILLE, 2130 N Dale St (at Cty Rd B)  and from 9 - 10 AM Tuesday at the church. 

Interment Elmhurst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memoriams in Marie's name be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where Marie was a member for 71 years.