Born and raised on an apple farm in Cornville, Maine, Marion Staniski LaRochelle was the youngest of ten children born to Polish immigrants Albert and Mary Staniski. She and her twin sister, Mary, attended a one-room schoolhouse before moving to Skowhegan, Maine, where they lived in a boarding house while attending high school. Throughout her life, Marion forged lasting friendships that she cherished dearly.

After graduating high school, Marion worked as a secretary at a local woolen mill before joining the U.S. Air Force. She traveled to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to learn stenography and, while stationed at the barracks, was reunited with Arthur LaRochelle, an Army veteran from her hometown of Skowhegan. Their love story unfolded quickly, and they were married on August 8, 1953.

Marion and Arthur settled in Houston, Texas, where they raised their four children. Despite the demands of family life, Marion worked as an Office Manager for a manufacturing company and found joy in hosting family dinners, organizing card games with friends, and participating in a dinner club. Her true passion, however, emerged in the 1970s when she became involved with the newly formed Polish Genealogical Society of Texas (PGST). She served in numerous roles, with her longest tenure as the Newsletter Archivist. Marion's dedication to the PGST was evident, as she carefully preserved and provided historical documents and articles related to Polish heritage. She also made multiple trips to Poland to research her own family's history and spent many years meticulously building her family tree.

In addition to her love for genealogy, Marion had a deep appreciation for nature, especially gardening. She enjoyed nurturing her garden, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, and even hosted a family of bluebirds each year in the "bird hotel" her son, David, built for her.

Marion and Arthur shared nearly 57 years of marriage until Arthur's passing in September 2010. Marion was incredibly proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her family was the center of her life.

Marion is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur LaRochelle; her grandson, Richie Horehled; and her great-granddaughter, Baby Ivy Zuniga.

She is survived by her twin sister, Mary Bess; her four children, Pamela LaRochelle, Diane LaRochelle, Sandra Ward (Donald), and David LaRochelle (Debbie); her grandchildren, Matthew Horehled, Shawn Ward, Shane Ward, Kendall LaRochelle Zuniga (Ryan), and A.J. LaRochelle; her great-grandchildren, Blair and Evelyn Zuniga; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Marion will be remembered for her dedication to family, her passion for genealogy, and her unwavering kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and a deep connection to her roots.