Obituary of Marianna Orr

Marianna deNoyelles Orr, 96, of Matthews, NC, died at her home in Plantation Estates, October 13, 2011. Mrs. Orr was born May 16, 1915 in Haverstraw, NY, daughter of Frank and Harriett Vorrath deNoyelles. She was of French-Hugenot decent. She attended Oberlin College and graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Always the athlete, Marianna was captain of the basketball team and played a total of five varsity sports. For a number of years, she was the Director of high school Health and Physical Education in East Hampton, NY. She was married to Henry Hammett Orr, Jr. of Greenville, SC. As a member of the American Association of University Women in Greensboro, NC, she inaugurated a summer kindergarten with the cooperation of the Greensboro City Schools. After Duke Power transferred her husband to Charlotte, she started the A.A.U.W. school kindergarten program in Charlotte, thus instigating kindergartens as a part of the NC public school system. As an active Girl Scout troupe leader, Marianna helped to bring about the Charlotte area Girl Scout summer camp at Lake Lure. She worked closely with the director, Virginia Griffin, the Torrances, and other volunteers. In addition, she was a member of The Charity League and The Aldersgate class at Myers Park United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter, Linda Orr, Professor of French Emeritus of Duke University; and ten nephews and nieces, Daniel, Jerry, Griffith, and Walter deNoyelles, David Bentley, Jan Kennebeck, Nina Decker, Deborah Boettiger, Sarah Bentley, and Denise Terjeson. A short memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 2:30pm at Plantation Estates Chapel, Matthews, NC. Memorials may be sent to the Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207, or the charity of your choice.