Northbridge: Marilyn A. (Christensen) Schonning, 88, passed away on October 10, 2021. Known to her family and friends as Max, she leaves 7 children- Janet Parker of Northbridge, Barbara Zywien of NH, Lisa Giard of Plymouth, Cynthia Archambault of Plymouth, Jon Schonning and his partner Timothy Wilens of Cambridge, Kimberly Schonning of Northbridge, and Kevin Schonning and his wife Gilda of Worcester; son-in-law Steven Zywien; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Robert V. Schonning, 3 siblings- Charles and Robert Christensen and Janet Johnson, and by sons-in-law Robert Parker and Gary Giard.
Marilyn was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Charles and Agnes (Carlson) Christensen. She graduated from Commerce High School and worked at the former Norton Company and Allegro. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed reading, playing bingo, doing crossword puzzles, dancing, traveling and spending time with her family. Max possessed a strong knowledge of the game of baseball, its strategy, and its history. She was a life-long, faithful Red Sox fan. She disliked the New York Yankees and vegetables. Last but not least, Max was a legendary coffee drinker and was seldom seen without a cup of coffee.
A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 11am-12noon at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, with a funeral to follow at 12noon in the funeral home. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn's memory may be made to St. Judes- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Island Autism Group LLC, PO Box 2786, Edgartown, MA 02539. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click on link.