Margaret Orr MacKenzie

Margaret Ellen Orr was born on August 6, 1935 in Buffalo, New York to Dr. William and Margaret Orr. She was predeceased by her three older brothers, James, William and John, who nicknamed her Marla.

Marla remembers fondly Sarah Washington Philips, who helped raise the brood, as the "real boss". Marla graduated from the Buffalo Female Seminary and Wheaton College in 1957, where she majored in psychology.

Her first job was with the Rand Corporation as a programmer for their Air Force defense system.

In 1960, she moved to Millbrook, NY to work for IBM. She met John MacKenzie, soon to be the love of her life and future dance partner, because she left her wallet in her ski parka and needed to borrow money for her breakfast. The debt was repaid that evening and they were married on September 2, 1961 for 59 years, when John died in 2020 at the age of 93.

The couple’s first children, Sarah Kinter was born in 1962 and their son Jesse Orr was born in 1970. Marla taught math at the Dutchess Day School in the late 1960’s.

Marla began her long association with Vassar College in 1973, initially as assistant to the dean of faculty. She then served as assistant to the president, interim director of development, and director of financial aid. Colleagues loved Marla for her excellent communication skills and her sense of humor. After taking a leave in 1984 so she could complete her Masters of Business Administration from Union College, she returned to Vassar as the manager for the educational administration data system.

Despite working fulltime and raising two children, Marla also made time for a variety of volunteer positions. She was most proud of serving as an alumna trustee for Wheaton. In her limited spare time, she love to hike, read and do the New York Times crossword puzzle. Spending time with close friends was also a priority. She was a loving and supportive friend and was rewarded by these associations beyond measure.

In 1990, Marla retired from Vassar when she and John moved to The Hound Ears Club in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. She became an active member of St. Mary’s Church attending daily morning prayer. One blessing of retirement was time for travel. She went to Ireland, England, Italy and France, on guided hiking tours.

In 2018, as John’s health declined and Marla’s dementia became more challenging, they move to Walpole, NH to be near their daughter. Kinter married Richard Lennon in 1993. Jesse married Jessica Moore in 2011.

Marla and John received phenomenal care during their final years; two of their caregivers were with them since the day they arrived. Marla handled her mental and physical decline with her characteristic grace, humor and gratitude for the opportunities her long productive life provided.

Funeral services will be held next summer in North Carolina.