Marion Karpeles Tortorici March 15, 1937-Sept. 21, 2016
Marion Tortorici of Mountain Brook passed away on September 21 after a 10-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Marion grew up in Birmingham and was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances Fitts Karpeles and Leo Milton Karpeles, and her brother, Leo Milton Karpeles, Jr. (Laide). Marion is survived by her husband, Dr. Ignatius Joseph "Nat" Tortorici; three children, Sam Tortorici (Kathryn), Natalie Tortorici Gillespie (Robert), Leigh Leigh Tortorici; and grandchildren, Michael Tortorici, Daniel Tortorici, Gracie Tortorici and Rob Gillespie. Marion is also survived by several nieces, nephews, friends and wonderful caregivers.
Marion attended Crestline Elementary and Shades Valley High School, where she was active in Alpha Delta Psi sorority and voted one of her high school's beauties. She also attended Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans. And beautiful she was, inside and out. No matter her circumstances and the tough battle she faced, she was always known for her optimistic attitude and infectious smile.
Marion's passion was spending time with her family at home or her favorite place on earth, Orange Beach. Going to the beach and enjoying time in the sun was always vital to her happiness and wellbeing and would absolutely be considered her favorite pastime.
For 52 years, Marion and Nat enjoyed a wonderful marriage. They traveled often, worked side by side in Nat's dental practice, made great memories on numerous family vacations, and enjoyed deep and special friendships with many.
Marion sold real estate for RealtySouth in the Birmingham area for years, enjoying all the many friends she made during that time. She also loved working with her husband and keeping the books at his dental practice.
Marion was a member of the Civiettes Club and Vanities Dance Club. She was active in the Birmingham District Dental Auxiliary for years before she served as president. Marion was also past president of both Brookwood Forest Elementary and Mountain Brook Junior High PTAs. Her main interests included anything and everything that her children and especially grandchildren were involved in. She became a staple at their school activities and all sporting events, and loved every single minute of it.
Her memorial service was held on Sept.23. Memorials can be made to the Emmett O'Neal Library or the Botanical Gardens.
