Marion R. McLaurin

Marion Monsanto McLaurin, of Coram, NY, passed away on June 25, 2025, at Mather Hospital in Suffolk County, NY.

Marion was born in Harlem, New York, on October 18, 1930, to Pedro and Juanita Monsanto.

Marion was born a twin and entered this world with the assistance of her loving sister Frances. Marion and William G. McLaurin fell in love and were married, blessing their union with three children: Stanley, MaryAnn, and JoAnn.

Marion enjoyed collaborating with people and joined the NYC Police Department as a crossing guard. She later used her creative skills to teach sewing at the local YWCA in Brooklyn, NY. She was active in the community, coaching the girls’ softball team while appointed as president of the Mothers’ Group at the YWCA. After residing at the Gowanus Projects in Brooklyn for 40 years, Marion took the opportunity to relocate to Roosevelt Island, closer to her sister, Frances. From that year forward, these two amazing women were inseparable, spending every moment in fun, laughter, and love. During this period, no one would refer to them by individual names… they were just “The Twins.”

Marion was a true fashion icon and creative designer, completing wedding dresses for her daughters MaryAnn and JoAnn and later her granddaughter JoAnn. There isn’t anything that Marion couldn’t study and duplicate from burlap luggage, slipcovers, monogrammed bathrobes, and the favorite baby crib ensembles.

Marion’s final relocation was to Coram, NY, residing at St. Frances Cabrini Gardens for three years. Marion loved her new apartment, making friends, playing bingo and Pokeno, sitting in the courtyard, and celebrating birthdays in the community center. Most importantly, her residence was six miles away from her daughter JoAnn and family, allowing them to continue their enjoyment of the arts and family time. Posts of their outings would be present on Facebook, coined by the phrase “Doing what we do.”

After enjoying a long life, Marion was called home on June 25, 2025, to be with our Lord.

Marion is predeceased by her parents, Pedro and Juanita Monsanto; husband, William G. McLaurin; son, Stanley G. McLaurin; brother, Pedro Monsanto Jr.; and sisters, Juanita Sims and Frances Sheppard.

Marion is survived by the family she loved and adored, which includes daughters Dr. MaryAnn McLaurin (Carl) and JoAnn Armstrong (David).

Grandchildren: JoAnn McLaurin Carpenter (Edward), Michelle McLaurin, Nakia McLaurin Pizarro (Ivan), Shaun Armstrong, Marc McLaurin, Rudy Anderson, and Kellee Armstrong; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends near and far.

This list would not be complete without listing the care team of women who loved and protected Marion both day and night for three years.

Special thanks to Silvia Flores, who treated Marion as family. Marion joined Silvia at family parties, celebrations, shopping at the mall, and outdoor events. Silvia accompanied her to doctor visits and hospital stays, remaining beyond her assigned working hours. Silvia was there at times when we, the family, could not be present.

The other women on this care team that we would like to acknowledge are

Dilone de Rodriguez (Mercedes), Iris Velazquez,Yanet Fernandez, Gladys Duran

Occupational Therapist Jill Secreto

UNC Nurse Marjorie Roberts, Case Nurse (2019-2021)

To all I say....

Te veo!

(Marion’s favorite farewell)

Keepsake Prayer

I wish Heaven had a phone so I could hear your voice again. I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that, too. I think of you in silence; I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which I will never part. God has you in his arms. I have you in my heart.

The McLaurin family would like to extend our gratitude to all who have reached out to offer their prayers and extend their heartfelt wishes during this time of sorrow, but also joy in knowing that our beloved Marion is now with the Lord.