Marian Elberta Palagi, a wife and mother of deep faith, passed away Nov. 12, 2008, in Albuquerque, N.M., after a valiant fight against Alzheimer’s disease. She now rejoices with her heavenly Father and continues to pray for those left behind.
Marian was born May 22, 1921, near Pierre, S.D., one of 10 children to Marion Parker and Mattie Martin. This country girl met Seth Palagi, her future husband of 63 years, in Los Angeles, Calif. Shortly after their marriage, Marian joined her husband stationed in Germany after World War II. Their first child was born there, and four more children followed, each born in a different state. After Seth’s military career, they made their home in Sierra Vista, Ariz., for 42 years.
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Marian’s strong faith guided her life and decisions. She volunteered many hours at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church where she was active in the St. Andrew’s Women’s Club. For many years she was a Eucharistic minister taking communion to the homebound.
She also assisted at the Cancer Closet, loaning medical equipment to those in need. The hours spent helping others didn’t diminish her role as a mother and homemaker. She never limited the size or number of cookies her children could make — or eat. Her children would come home on grocery day to find treats tucked away in their dressers. Everybody had their favorite dessert on their birthday regardless of how difficult it was to make.
She was a champion for her children. She loved politics, the U of A basketball team, and playing cards with family and friends. As a grandmother, she lovingly welcomed her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.
At their 50th wedding anniversary, her youngest, Martin, said, “My dad taught me how to think; my mom taught me how to love.” Marian was — and remains — the heart center of our family. She taught us that all life has value and that patience, service, love and care, both given and received, bring great rewards.
Marian is survived by her husband, Seth and their five children: Steffani (Bob) Hays, Jr. of Hereford, Ariz., Michelle Palagi of Albuquerque, N.M., Michael (Nina) Palagi of Mesa, Ariz., Lorretta (Randy) Palagi-Bilof of Washington state, and Martin (Liz) Palagi of Las Vegas, Nev. She also is blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who will miss her.
A visitation will be held and rosary recited Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hatfield Funeral Home. The celebration of her life will be Tuesday Nov. 18, 2008, at the noon Mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 800 N. Taylor Drive, with Father Gregory Adolf officiating. Services will follow at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601. Arrangements are by the Hatfield Funeral Home.
