Marian Rorick

Marian J. Simpson-Rorick (Dresser) age 98, of Binghamton, NY, passed away in her home at Primrose Retirement Community in Decatur, IL where she has resided since 2017. She was born in Bay City, MI on September 12, 1928 to Lee H. and Thelma (Hoag) Dresser.

Marian’s family moved to Oneonta, NY in 1938. Marian began painting at the early age of 11 and her passion for the arts and teaching carried throughout her life. She was a graduate of Oneonta High School Class of 1946, Syracuse University Fine Art School and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Marian and her husband, Frank W. Simpson married in 1957 and they settled in Vestal, NY where Marian was the Art Director for 2 different advertising agencies for 17 years. Frank began his own printing business, Simpson-Milligan Printing Company. When Frank passed away, at 62, in 1977, Marian was only 48 years old. She had transitioned from advertising art to fulltime painting, teaching classes, and travelling. She went on to marry Donald Rorick in 1986. He became Grandpa Don to Carol and Cathy’s grandchildren that came along.

During her career, Marian had her own home gallery, founded Spectrum Gallery, was a member of the Central New York Watercolor Society, taught classes in 15 states, studied with over 30 nationally know artists, travelled to 19 countries, and was a member of many art associations including the Fine Arts Society of the Southern Tier. In 2015, at 87, she was honored with a star on the Binghamton Wall of Fame at the Forum for her 60 years of contributions to the fine arts. Marian had a fabulous God given talent and she believed in sharing it with others. Marian was a member of the First Congregational Church in Binghamton, NY and Decatur, IL. She was also a past member of the Lioness Club, Zonta Club, Garden Club and Lady Bugs.

The family wishes to Thank the wonderful staff at Primrose Retirement Community for their care over the last 9 years. They created an environment where mom could independently enjoy activities and meals, yet remain safe, as she navigated living with Alzheimer’s. Special Thanks to mom’s personal angel, Brenda Transou and her family, that have given extra support to mom for the last 2 ½ years.

Marian is survived by her son, Edwin Simpson (Glennda) of Spokane Valley, WA, two daughters, Cathy Sheldon of Naples, FL and Carol Robertson (Joe) of Decatur, IL, a stepson, Frank W. Simpson III (Donna) of Wolcott, NY, a sister-in-law Mary Dresser of Westville, NY, 5 grandchildren, Thomas Robertson (Jill), Jessica Wegman (Bryan), Christopher Sheldon (Jessie), Katie Sheldon, and Rebecca Price (Matt), 4 great-grandchildren, Hollyn Wegman, Mazey Robertson, Hadley Wegman, and Max Price, friend, Rebecca Booth (Gilliand), Rebecca Yarnold (Roberts) and several nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank Simpson Jr. in 1977, husband, Donald Rorick in 2004, and her brothers, David Dresser (94) and Robert Dresser (90) (Beverly), lifelong friends Joyce and Bert Roberts and Barbara and Gene Gilliand.

Visitation will be held at 10:00am on Friday, October 9, 2026 at First Congregational Church at 3465 N MacArthur Rd, Decatur, IL.

A memorial service will begin at 11:30am followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will take place at a later date in Vestal, NY at the Vestal Hills Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to First Congregational Church, Decatur, IL or to Chapter MH PEO to Carol’s address.