Obituary of Marie F. Van Orden

Marie Flora Van Orden, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 29, 2023, at home, with her loving family by her side.

Marie was born on June 30, 1947 in Newton, NJ to the late Harold and Flora (Covello) Clayton. She graduated from Newton High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Philip Van Orden, with whom they shared 43 years of marriage together. They then moved to Hawaii, where her husband was stationed in the Air Force. They traveled to many places for his job. Marie graduated from Solano Community College in California in 1982 with her Associates Degree in Nursing. The two and their children then moved to Rome, NY, and Marie attended college locally at SUNY IT, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Marie worked for the New York State Department of Corrections at the Walsh Medical Center in Rome, then as an Infection Control Nurse and Nurse Educator for NYS Corrections.  Marie and her husband made their home in Rome for the rest of their lives. Marie also graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage with a degree in Massage Therapy.  She had her own massage business in her home called “A ‘Lil Bit ‘O Heaven.” As a nurse and massage therapist, Marie thoroughly had a passion for wellness and helping people feel better about themselves. Marie was a wonderful and compassionate person who always put others before herself. She was a very talented singer and enjoyed playing the piano and singing in the choir at First United Methodist Church in Rome, where she was a long-time member. She also enjoyed ceramics, painting, volunteering for her local community, the Red Cross and her church, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Marie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle (Michael) O’Grady, of Rome; son and daughter-in-law Philip Van Orden (Claudja), of San Diego; and daughter Lisa Internicola, of Rome; grandchildren Anthony (Marissa) Carollo, Steven Internicola, Amanda Carollo and significant other Nick Dubay, Aaron Internicola and fiancée Amber Gilmartin, Danielle Van Orden, Nicholas Van Orden, Janai Haden; great-grandchildren Anthony, Adalina and Ariana Carollo; sisters Nancy (Jim) Petersen, Joanne (Jaques) Tollenaar, Linda (Manuel) Arroyo; a brother Michael (Marilyn) Clayton; and a sister-in-law Dolores Clayton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Dolores Kennedy and brother Frederick L. Clayton.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to family and friends, the Terrace at Woodland in Rome, Hospice of Oneida County, and Dr. Javiera Shabbir MD and staff on 5 East at the Wynn Hospital, all of whom showed such kindness and care for Marie and her family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Julianna Price and Kristi Pitoniak, who were by Marie’s side along with her family to comfort her in her time of need. The warmth and respect shown by all will not be forgotten.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY 13440. All are invited to call on Thursday, December 7^th from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 8^th at First United Methodist Church, 400 N. George St, Rome. Directly following, Marie will be laid to rest in Masonic Community Care Cemetery with her husband, Philip.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Marie’s memory to Rome Abraham House or Rome First United Methodist Church in Rome.