Marion Dorothy Carrigan, who died Sunday, November 3, 2013, was born May 26, 1920 to John Samuel Pillifant and Alice Marie (Tonigan) Pillifant in Waukegan, Illinois. During WWII she worked for the Navy Dept. at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Waukegan. It was there she met William A. Carrigan DDS, Lt. Commander USN, whom she would marry on May 31, 1945.


After establishing a home in Tiffin, she and the family returned to Great Lakes Naval Training Center during the Korean War for another tour of duty.


Marion was a loving and devoted mother of her four children: John of Tiffin; William (Judith) of Macon, GA; Joan (John) Altwater of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and Kevin of Tiffin. She was blessed by grandchildren Abby, Kathleen, Christopher (Anna) and Matthew (Kellie McConnell). Three great grandchildren were touched by her warmth: twins Ava and Michael, and Anna. Her husband Bill died October 28, 2002. Her brothers John and Robert preceded her in death. Brother Richard (Muriel) lives in South Miami, Florida.


Marion was a source of strength and an example of faithfulness and constancy to all who knew her. While caring for her husband Bill as his health declined, initially at home, then in nursing facilities, she gave power to the marriage vow, "in sickness and in health... " She also became an advocate for other nursing facility residents.
Marion's life was one of service to her husband, her family and her faith (St. Joseph Rosary Altar Society, St. Joseph School Library, Parish Annual Festival Dinners, and St. Francis Home Auxiliary). She enjoyed dancing, ice skating, could hold her own on the bowling lanes and kept to the fairways on Tuesday morning women's golf league.


Special mention should be made of caregivers Janelle, Courtney, Tristin, Carol and Donna, and the staff of Good Shepherd Home, Fostoria, who enriched her life and provided extra measures of care, comfort and love. Marion's friends were cherished by her.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 10:30 am with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.


A visitation for friends and family will be Tuesday, November 5, 2013 from 4-7 pm at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St, Tiffin, OH 419-447-2424.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tiffin Calvert Catholic Schools, St. Joseph Church Choir, Good Shepherd Home, or a charity of the donor's choice.


Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.