Marie Olive George, 93, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton surrounded by her loving family. Marie was born in rural Scotsguard, Saskatchewan Canada on September 16, 1924 to Myrtle (Lewis) and Ole Norton. Her first memory was of her mother's last words before she died, "Have a wonderful life and eat well." Marie was 3 years old. Her Aunt Christine (Norton) Chell who was living at One Road Township went to Canada and brought Marie to South Dakota along with her sisters, Ilet and Myrtle. Her brother Orville stayed in Canada with their father. On the train ride from Canada, Marie remembered looking out the window searching for her mother.

She was baptized at Zoar Lutheran Church in April of 1928 and adopted by Marie and Lauritz Borgedalen on December 15, 1930. Marie cherished her family especially with the adoption of brothers Dean and Dale Borgedalen. Sisters Ilet (Koenig) and Myrtle (Skogen) grew up in the area and went to the same rural school. She was happy to continue to have her sisters in her life. Marie attended grade school at One Road #2 Country School, later attending Sisseton High School where she was part of the class of 1943. Her senior year of high school was interrupted when she stayed home to care for her mother.

Marie married James Harold George on September 17, 1943. They had fourteen children, Russell (Hazel) of Wilmot; Randy (deceased); Roger (Clarice) of Sisseton; Joseph (Debra) of Sisseton; Doug (deceased); Jane Surges of Indianapolis, Indiana; Joanie (Dale) Carlson of Sisseton; Sally Russell (Jim Wilcox) of Helena, Montana; Dean (Mary) of Sisseton; Suzanne Ruegg of Maple Grove, Minnesota; James (deceased); Mary (Craig) Aldrich of Wahpeton, ND; Patty (Terry) Mandy of Wahpeton, ND; Rebecca Bosch of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Marie was confirmed and became a full member of St. Peters Catholic Church in 1944. She was an active member of the Altar Society, St. Dorothy's Circle. Marie was also a member of a Bible Study where she enjoyed sharing her faith.

Marie and Jim lived in the Sisseton area raising their family. She was primarily a homemaker until October 2, 1972 when she was employed by the Sisseton Public School system in food service. She was loved by the students, her co-workers, staff and faculty of the school system and upon retirement, after 24 years, was recognized for her dedication and service. She entered the Tekakwitha Living Center in 2015, where she received loving care until her death.

Twenty-seven grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren, and 7 great, great grandchildren were part of her large adoring family where everyone considered themselves to be her personal favorite. She had that kind of magic. A wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, and friend: who she was and how she will always be remembered.

Surviving Marie are 11 children, 26 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, and 7 great, great grandchildren, her sister Myrtle Skogen of San Antonio, Texas and brothers Dean Borgedalen of Mountain Ranch, California and Dale (Angie) Borgedalen of Liberty, Missouri, her sisters-in-law Lucille and Luella George and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Proceeding her in death are her parents, her husband Jimmy on April 20, 2005, three sons Randy, Doug and James; one granddaughter, Cheri, five great grandchildren Tehya Carlson, Macy and Autumn George, Aiden and Gaven Russell; one brother, Orville Norton, and one sister, Ilet Koenig.

Public viewing and visitation will be held Tuesday October 17, ^, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.at Cahill Funeral Chapel. Church viewing is between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. with a prayer service to follow at St. Peters Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Jerry Ranek will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery following the service. A lunch will be provided by the Altar Society at St. Peter's Hall.

Pallbearers consist of grandchildren: Dawn George Long, Corey Nigg, Mikeal Carlson, Chris George, Tori Pfurl, Daniel Carlson, Tucker Behrns, Madilyn Aldrich, Matt Nyvold, and Lacey Block. Honorary Pallbearers are grandchildren Jerry George, Rob Russell, Laurie Braun, Jacqueline Nigg, Angela Lindsey, Dustin George, Melissa George, Hoken Aldrich, Daren Kost, Nikki Swanson, Amanda Bosch, Kristina Nyvold, Lauren Ruegg, Brenna Ruegg, Tia VanMatre, Bruce VanMatre and all friends and family. Special recognition to all her close friends at TLC with whom she enjoyed and spent countless hours as well as the awesome staff at Tekakwitha Living Center.