Marion Dorothy Hatchett was born on March 2, 1929, to the late Constancia Miriam Rhymes and Conrad Hatchett. Marion grew up on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. She completed her education there. As a young girl, she gave her life to Christ. Marion joined the New Herrnhut Moravian Church in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.
In 1947, Marion gave birth to her first son, Irvin V. Ludvig. To make a better life for Irvin and herself, Marion left St. Thomas and moved to New York City. Marion left Irvin (affectionately known as Vic), with her sister, Ora, to care for him while she was in New York.
A few years later, she sent for both Ora and Irvin. Marion worked in various hotels in the housekeeping department. Marion moved up to the position of supervisor at the New York Hilton Hotel. She had her second son, Jerome A. Ludvig, in 1952. Marion was very active in the Hotel Workers Trade Union ensuring that she and all hotel workers received fair wages and better working conditions.
While in New York City, she was also involved in the Order of the Eastern Star. She made lifelong friends and connections (among them, her life partner, Ralph – who predeceased her in 2023). Marion loved to cook. Some of her best dishes were meat patties, peas and rice, and Kallaloo. She also loved to dress with a hat to match every outfit.
Marion retired in 1995. She left New York City and returned home to her beloved U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, where she had built a home on her parents’ land near Coki Point Beach.
While back home, she remained an active member of New Herrnhut Moravian Church and attended many events hosted by friends and family.
She leaves to cherish her memories and celebrate her life: her son, Vic Ludvig; daughter-in-law, Carmen Ludvig; and five grandchildren: Shuanise Ludvig-Thomson, Sherylynn Ludvig, Kimberly Ludvig, Victor Ludvig and Elrea Walker.
She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren: Verenique Ludvig, Zantriese Ludvig, Tishyra Thomson, Jonyce Thomson, Deon Rodriguez, Bryce Walker, Darell Walker, Tanise Green, Kenyon George, Kymmya George, Brayden Beal, Cayenne Beal, Harper Bears and Malachi Ludvig; and great-great-grandchildren: Avery George, Karter George, Kyari Patrick and Kobi Massey.
She is also survived by cousins: Brenda, Jeffery, Myron, Kimberly, Oliver, Egidio, Julius (Toto) Fredericks, Gladys, Carol, Shereese, Stefan, Shayne, Swayne and Avery Jürgen, James, Calvin, Enid Wells (Williams), Aaron Zephir, Lynette, Leighton, Spurgeon and Simone Almond, Sheila and Henry Jackson, Orville Brown, Rudolph Smith, Edna Freeman, Gwenevere Hyman, Delrice Varlack, Diane Griffith, Denise Joseph, Kala Brathwaite and Abigail Hendricks; and cousin-in-law: Vera Fredericks.
Other survivors include goddaughters: Linette, Stacey and Millicent; Caregiver, Jacqueline O’Garro; as well as the Mathias, Rhymer, Jürgen, Fredericks and Myers families, and a host of extended family that lovingly called her “Aunt Marion.”
Marion was preceded in death by her parents: Constancia Mariam Rhymes and Conrad Hatchett; son, Jerome A. Ludvig; sisters: Pauline Marie Woodside and Ora Alicia Williams; brother, Donald Ulysses DeGraffe; and special cousin, Aileen Valencia Francis Allmond.
Acknowledgements (Special Thanks) to: RLS Intensive Care Unit, Turnbull Funeral Home, Verna Rawlins, Daisy Saunders, Karen Blyden, Cheryl Thomas, Karen Mahoney-Bess, Una Rabsatt, Vashti Liburd, Delta Malone, Winifred Francis, Maxine Fleming, Pat Betty Callwood, Carol and Gladys Jürgen, Verna Rawlins, Angelo Floyd, and her caregiver, Jacqueline O’Garro.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend the Celebration of Life of Marion Hatchett. The first viewing will be from 4 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, at Blyden’s Chapel. The second viewing will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 21, at the New Herrnhut Moravian Church. there will be a Homegoing Service immediately after at 10 a.m. Marion requested colors are orange and royal blue.
Gone from this life but forever in our hearts. May she continue to rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
