Marian E. McKechnie

Marian Elizabeth McKechnie, 96, a descendant of one of Cavalier pioneer families, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cavalier Presbyterian Church in Cavalier.

Marian was born in Grand Forks, ND on December 30, 1928, to Robert and Eliza (Fuller) McKechnie. She attended school in Cavalier, graduating in 1946. She followed in her mother's footsteps and went onto school in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. In 1950, she graduated from Macalester College. She taught high school History for four years in Minnesota at Okley and Cass Lake and for one year in Williston, ND. Marian received her master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in 1955. She continued teaching history at: Waren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC, InterAmerican University, San German, Puerto Rico, and many years at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA. In 1963, she was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honor society. She received her PhD in Latin American Studies from American University in Washington, DC. (1970-1974)

Marian had several strong interests: history including family genealogy and political science, weaving, and gardening. Her travels took her to: Scotland which included a summer at the University of Edinburg, Norway, Mexico where she did research for her PhD, Central America and around South America to Chile. In all her moves and travels, Cavalier was always her home. When it came to retirement, she considered many places and decided Cavalier was the best. She took care of her mother and aunt, taking them on several interesting trips.

She was active in the Cavalier Presbyterian Church, Pioneer Daughters, United Lutheran Bible Study, and the Library Book Club. She had a special interest in the Pioneer Auto Club of Cavalier and the Pembina County Museum.

Preceding Marian in death were the parents, Robert and Eliza and baby brother, Robert. She is survived by her first cousins: Alexander Fuller Burr and family, Las Cruces, NM and Patricia Burr Ryberg and family, Bismarck, ND. She is also survived by her second cousins on both the Fleming and Fuller sides, living in the Cavalier area.

The family wishes to thank Lillian Thomson, Pembina County Memorial Hospital staff and Dr. Sumra, Country Estates, and Faith in Action for their aid in enabling her to stay in Cavalier. Special thanks to Jesse and the late Maria Cano for their friendship and care, and also to Sylvia Moore and Patty Askew.