Obituary

Marie E. Gordon, 45, of Chesterfield, VA, entered her eternal rest after her valiant fight with cancer on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Our beautiful Marie was born on March 13, 1980, in Andrews AFB, Maryland, to Milton Bosley and Loretta Elaine Bosley.

Marie is survived by her beloved husband of 20 years, Brian Gordon; her cherished son, Eli Gordon; parents, Milton Bosley and Loretta E. Bosley; brother, Rodney E. Dotson and wife, Lyneisa F. Dotson; sister, Erika E. Beagle and husband, Ron Beagle; and nephews, Zachariah Beagle and Micah Beagle.

Crowned by love, guided by determination, and defined by strength, Marie left an enduring mark on all who knew her. Her immense love for family and friends was evident in her ability to be fully present for life’s big and small moments. She gave freely of herself, her time, and her support to all. Yet the true focus and greatest inspiration of her life were her devoted husband, Brian, and her precious son, Eli. Days after exchanging vows, Marie followed her heart, moving to Fargo, and later Virginia alongside her co-pilot in life, Brian, whom she met at USF, embracing new adventures together. Before long, their journey welcomed its most precious passenger, their son Eli, who embodies her loving spirit and gentleness and is the fulfillment of their hopes and dreams. A dedicated daughter, sister, and nurturing aunt, Marie wove love into every relationship, deepening the bonds that hold her family close.

Marie lived a purpose-driven life. She was determined to defeat any and every obstacle she faced, including childhood cancer. While attending the University of South Florida, Marie not only received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, but she also assisted in conducting cancer research trials at the Moffitt Cancer Center and co-authored a peer-reviewed article on the benefits of tea polyphenols on human tumor cells. After obtaining an MBA from Strayer University, higher education continued to be her life’s connecting theme, not only in her professional work as an Assistant Registrar at North Dakota State University and Associate University Registrar at Cornell, but also in her scholarly journey as a Doctoral Candidate with an emphasis on Higher Education Leadership. Marie’s determined spirit inspired her to embrace life fully and explore the world with curiosity and wonder. Yet amid her many travels abroad, she always found a special joy and contentment in the serene moments spent on sunlit beaches with family.

Marie’s shy, disarming smile, joyful laughter, and gentle nature drew people to her, quickly turning strangers into loyal friends. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and better simply by being in her presence—whether cheering on Eli at his soccer games, sharing quiet escapes with Brian, celebrating life’s special moments with close friends, spending cherished time with her parents, brothers, and sisters, or showing up for her nephews by marking graduation and life’s milestones with care and love. Marie was a balm for our hearts and souls. Her life reminds us that true strength is felt in love, courage, and the joy we share with others.

Anyone blessed to love Marie and know her life’s story will tell you she was the strongest and bravest person they know. Above every warmth and treasured moment shared, her strength remained the quiet force that defined her life. It is her truest legacy—a living monument to the courage and grace with which she lived. This strength now carries on through her beloved son, her loving husband, her parents, and her family, who reflect her resilience, her love, and her unwavering faith and spirit.

As a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, and friend, we honor and celebrate you—always our Rea, whose love and light will remain with us forever. May her memory be a blessing.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026, followed by her celebration of life at 5:00 pm at Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23234. Marie will be laid to rest by her family in a private ceremony at a later date at Dale Memorial Park.

In memory of Marie and in recognition of her passion for higher education and to fiercely fight cancer, contributions may be made to Eli’s higher education college fund at gift.my529.org/I1VT87 and to support Cold Capping through Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation to continue her legacy of learning and cancer care.