Marian Elizabeth McFadden (Peters), aged 104, peacefully entered into eternal rest on October 10, 2024, at her home in Green Valley, AZ.

Marian was born on September 4, 1920, in Miles City, MT, to Johann and Wilehmena Peters, who immigrated to the US from Russia in 1911. As a first-generation American living in rural Montana, she had a challenging childhood. Despite the hardships, she always spoke with love and admiration for her large family, who worked hard and sacrificed much for each other. In an era when not all young women were permitted to complete their education, Marian took great pride in graduating from Miles City High School in 1938.

Marian and James R. McFadden were united in marriage on July 21, 1941, in Boulder, MT. Their son Arthur was born in 1942 while James was enlisted in the US Army and serving overseas in WWII. Following the war, James and Marian settled in Minot, ND, for 20 years before moving to Aberdeen, SD. Known for her keen eye for fashion and sense of style, Marian thrived in a career in women's clothing retail sales and management. She had fond memories of her years at Taube's in Minot, ND, and retired in 1975 as the first female General Manager for Stevenson's in Aberdeen, SD. Her years at Stevenson's resulted in lifelong friendships.

James and Marian hosted family and friends for many years at their summer home at Pickerel Lake, SD. There was never a shortage of food, treats or activities. Marian always had a garden and enjoyed entertaining. Another source of community for Marian, she connected with her neighbors and enjoyed socializing and visiting. James and Marian retired to Sun City, AZ, in 1985. Initially as snowbirds and later as permanent residents, Marian thrived in her new community, which was flush with sunshine and citrus trees. She overcame her fear of water and learned to swim in her 70s, even participating with a community synchronized swimming group for several years. After James' passing in 2001, she spent 10 years at El Dorado of Sun City, where she served on the new member welcome committee and enjoyed outings, activities, and meals with her friends. She spent her remaining years close to her son Arthur and his wife Karen, her sister Fannie Lillienthal, and her niece Norma (Garth) Greenbaum in Green Valley, AZ. Regardless of where she lived, she always had a large circle of friends, enjoyed visiting, sharing a good joke, and celebrating with meals.

Marian was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered by all for her tradition of handwriting letters and Christmas cards, a practice she maintained until her 102nd holiday season. She was a pen pal to many and maintained lifelong friendships through her correspondence. A letter in her mailbox was a treasure she cherished deeply. Her granddaughters will cherish the memory of special birthday shopping trips as kids, and "sister trips" to see her as adults.

A devout Catholic, Marian established a church home in all the communities where she lived, notably St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot, ND, St. Elizabeth Seton in Sun City, AZ, and Our Lady of the Valley in Green Valley, AZ. Her family wishes to thank the Eucharistic Ministers and Clergy who served her during her final years when she was homebound.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James McFadden, her parents, and her nine siblings and their spouses.

She is survived by her son, Arthur McFadden (Karen) of Green Valley, AZ; granddaughters Traci (David) Ketterling of Fargo, ND; Kate (Jeff) Houston of Midlothian, TX; Jennifer (Eric) Sanders of Bismarck, ND; great-grandchildren Taylor Ketterling, Matthew Ketterling, Lauren Houston, Allie Houston, Isaiah Sanders, Alec Sanders; and great-great-grandson Atticus Sanders. Several nieces, nephews, and extended family
also survive her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice.

Memorial Mass will be held on November 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 505 La Canada Drive, Green Valley.