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MAURA DOREEN MARCHIONNI
September 11, 1936 ~ July 21, 2018
Maura Marchionni, professional singer, nightclub hostess and in later years a nanny to the children of Vancouver, WA, passed away on July 21, 2018.
She was 81.
A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Nanny Maura was the youngest of two daughters born to beautician Doreen McAfee and jazz drummer/singer Alec McAfee. Nanny was a bit of daddy's girl and followed in her father's musical footsteps: She worked as professional jazz singer and club hostess. After immigrating to America in the late-1950s, the former Miss Northern Ireland Pageant winner hosted a jazz radio show in pre-Motown Detroit.
In the Motor City she met a shy, handsome jazz drummer, Ron Marchionni, and the two married and moved West in 1960. She continued her singing career in the Portland-Vancouver area, including at the Thunderbird Inn at the Quay, Portland's Union Station and the downtown Vancouver Frontier Room. Her special St. Patrick's Day shows were often standing-room-only.
She was known as "Precious" to her children. She switched careers to work as a nanny in the 1980s, eventually helping to raise dozens of Vancouver children with whom she remained in close contact. She was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in the Heights neighborhood, where her outreach included tending to the sick and the elderly for the past 50 years.
She relished conversation, high tea with a touch of the American (Kit Kats, doughnut holes and chocolate sugar-wafer cookies), a good Riesling, going to the movies, dinners out and a good laugh.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Pat Coogan. She is survived by sons, Charlie Marchionni and Tony Marchionni, both of Vancouver, WA; daughter, Doreen Marchionni and son-in-law, Albert McMurry of Tacoma, WA; and grandsons, Angelo and Mario Marchionni.
A Rosary and funeral mass will be held on Aug. 6 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, starting at noon, followed by a brief tea reception at the church. A private cemetery service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to one of the following:
• Society of the Little Flower, 1313 N. Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60561
• Share House, 1115 W. 13th St., Vancouver, WA 98660
• St. Joseph Catholic Church, 400 S. Andresen Road, Vancouver, WA 98661
Please sign her Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Doreen: I remember your Mom every St Patrick's Day as I toast her and your dad. My sincere thoughts and love heading your way as you remember your loving mom.
Gloria Redmond
July 26, 2021
As I remember the beautiful spirit of Maura here on earth, I now can picture her singing with the angels in heaven. May God bless her family and friends as we remember her today.
Gloria Redmond
Friend
July 25, 2020
I can't say that there are many things in this world that could make me laugh like Maura! She was so full of sass and love and grace - just a gift of a person. She has always called my husband, Dan, "her" Dan and my daughter "her" Lily. She was loved beyond measure. Our deepest condolences to Tony, Charlie and Doreen. We were traveling when you had the services so we were not able to attend -- you are all in our thoughts.
Mary Getty
August 15, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your entire family. Please know that the God of all comfort has loving concern for you at this time, at Psalm chapter 34 verse 18. I know you will miss your precious loved one every day, may God give you strength, peace and loving memories. Ann Smith
August 14, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim & Linda Ingenthron
August 6, 2018
I was blessed by knowing both Ron and Maura and their kids for many years. I have many fond memories of my times with them and always considered them as part of my family. When Ron left us I tried to give Maura as much support as I could and was there as much as possible. I will miss her very much, but feel very fortunate that she was part of my life right till the end.
Jim Panos
August 3, 2018
Nanny Maura had a great influence in my son Ryan's life. She devoted her time to be a loving babysitter. She had the heart of a saint guiding all the children that were under her watch. I was a busy mom trying to get through my college education but I never once worried about Ryan because I knew he was with nanny Maura. I have loving memories of walking with her to the St Joseph Sausage fest where we had so much fun it was a yearly highlight. As a neighbor for so many years,I would get many opportunities to catch up on the latest as she walked to and from the market.
Rest In Peace Maura and enjoy the music in Heaven. We love you❤
Gloria Redmond
August 2, 2018
As a long time friend and neighbor of the Marchionni's, our family has many fond memories of Ron and Maura, and learning of Maura's stories of leaving Ireland for the US, as a young beautiful girl and meeting this handsome Italian Gentleman, who she would marry for life....I wish I could of seen them perform in the nightclubs with Maura singing her Jazz and Irish Standards, with Ron on the drums....We couldn't of had better or more fun neighbors over the past almost 40 years....Thank You for always being so happy, helpful, caring of others, professional and sharing your beautiful voice with us! We will miss you!
David Martel
August 1, 2018
This amazing woman has been in my life since I was little, she and Ron were close friends with my parents. She took care of my boys when I had to go back to work. She schooled me when I was wrong, she loved me.... Bless you Nanny Maura. we all love you so much
July 31, 2018
I met Ron through a Food Brokerage I worked for and through him met Maura. What a joyful, lovely person she was. I remember singing 76 Trombones with her on St. Patrick's Day. She and Ron also attended a few of our Company Christmas parties, where she had my boss in tears with her rendition of "Oh Danny Boy". I also attended their 2nd marriage on their 25th Anniversary. My deepest condolences to her children.
Phyllis McGarry
July 31, 2018
Nanny Maura so deeply touched the lives of our whole family, especially our two children, Rachael and Scott, for whom she lovingly cared for many years. I will miss her cheery smile and her engaging conversation. Her beautiful singing voice will live on in our minds, and her love will live on in our hearts. Love you Nanny Maura. Watch over us from your well-deserved place in heaven.
Joe Yonek
July 31, 2018
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