Marion A. Kantz, 95, of Orlando passed away September 27, 2021. She was the wife of the late Clifford D. Kantz, her husband of 70 years.
Born in Rexmont, PA, on February 14, 1926, Marion was the daughter of the late Ellsworth and Lottie (Shutter) Carpenter. She graduated from Cornwall High School and attended Lebanon Business College. She was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church prior to moving to the Orlando Lutheran Towers senior living facility.
She is survived by two children – Clifford D. Kantz, Jr. and his wife, Mary Ann; and Gay McNally and her husband, Frank; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters – Geraldine Nehring and Emmaline Miller.
She was a strong and independent woman with a strong sense of adventure. She lived a full life and successfully balanced pursuing a career, raising a family, and enjoying a variety of personal passions. Being a military wife, she managed these responsibilities on her own when Clifford was away from home on military assignments. After 20 years of federal civil service, she retired as a budget analyst. Her outstanding performance, work ethic, and dedication was recognized throughout her career by numerous awards and commendations.
She was a devoted to Clifford and shared with him a zest for life and love of travel. Shortly after she was married, she drove across country by herself to join Clifford who was stationed in Hawaii. When their children were young, she and Clifford arranged many family vacations. As empty nesters, she and Clifford traveled the world including destinations throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and the South Pacific. Hawaii was one of her favorite destinations.
Her personal passions included cooking, gardening, shopping, and crafting. She was a gracious hostess and loved entertaining family and friends for get-togethers, parties, and holiday dinners. She was an accomplished embroiderer. She enjoyed creating and designing countless needlepoint works of art, many of which she gave as gifts to friends and family. She was a very outgoing person and belonged to numerous clubs and organizations. She had many friends who, together with her family, will miss her deeply.
A viewing will be held from 11:00-12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12th at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., 126 S. 9th St., Lebanon, followed by a service at 12:00 PM. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orlando Lutheran Towers Foundation, 300 East Church St., Orlando, FL 32801 or a charity of your choice. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com
