Marjorie Anderson

It was easy to love a woman like Marjorie Anderson. She added much to the lives around her, and made a difference in the lives of many. With her fun-loving, great sense of humor, it was a joy to be in her company sharing long conversations and simply time together. A dedicated wife, devoted mother, dearly loved grandmother and a wonderful friend and neighbor, she will be long remembered in the hearts of many. Marjorie's story began in 1919 when Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President and the 18th Amendment to the Constitution was established, prohibiting the sale of alcohol anywhere in the U.S. Modern conveniences such as the rotary telephone was introduced, and the pop-up toaster made life easier in the kitchen. While the pogo stick was the favorite of neighborhood children everywhere, the end of World War I found Americans focused on prospering the economy. Nestled in the lakeshore community of Muskegon, Michigan, the smell of Fall was clearly in the air as preparations were being made for Thanksgiving that year. Axel and Margaret (Zahrt) Norman had much to be thankful for when on November 11, 1919, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Marjorie Emma into their hearts. Her father supported their family as a fireman for the City of Muskegon, and her mother remained at home with Marjorie and her older sister, Leona as a homemaker. With a heart for others, her family took immigrant borders into their home to help them begin anew. Having made their home in the Jackson Hill neighborhood of Muskegon, young Marjorie grew up close to other family members who lived next door. As a family, they were faithful members of St. John's Evangelical Church located on Pine Street. She made many friends while attending Froebel Elementary School and enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, especially ice skating at the Mart Dock and summertime fun at the beach. Marjorie went on to graduate from Muskegon High School. Before long, Marjorie landed a job working at the Sealed Power Corporation in the accounting department operating an IBM Tabulator Machine. A processor of sorts, it was an early accounting device, much like an adding machine or calculator. As a young woman, Marjorie worked, enjoyed time with friends and did well for herself, but life as she knew it soon forever changed. Marjorie met Fredrick Anderson, a handsome life guard, at the beach and soon discovered they shared much in common, along with their fondness for ice skating. Before long they became a couple, and after dating for a time, fell deeply in love. On June 12, 1943, Marjorie made a beautiful June bride as they exchanged vows of marriage. Their time together as husband and wife in Muskegon was cut short, however, when Fred was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. They packed up their belongings and headed for Virginia where Fred was stationed. After setting up house, Marjorie began working as a secretary for the Army until Fred shipped out overseas. With her husband now gone, Marjorie moved back to Muskegon. She lived with her parents during this time and found work at West Michigan Steel. Upon Fred's honorable discharge, he returned home to Marjorie's awaiting arms. Picking up where they left off, he secured a job at Teledyne Continental Motors and they built a house to call their own on Elsa Street in North Muskegon. It was the beginning of many fond memories and times spent in their beloved home where Marjorie continued to live for the rest of her days. Life for Marjorie took on new meaning when her son, Greg was born in 1953 followed by the birth of her son, Mark in 1955. Nothing made her happier than staying at home with her boys as a fulltime mother. Loving and nurturing, she made a good home for Fred and their sons. She made life as enjoyable as she could for them and tried to give her son, Greg all she could as he struggled with cerebral palsy. He relied on both of them for the special care required for his needs. As he grew older, he eventually began living at the MOKA-Sternberg Home where he received day-to-day care. It was then when Marjorie started volunteering at the Muskegon Regional Center where she helped take care of children with needs such as Greg. She first began there as a teachers aide, which in time turned into a paid position. Marjorie and her family attended Community United Methodist Church. They spent memorable times at Silver Lake with Fred's brother, Bob and wife, Elaine and their girls. Marjorie and Fred also liked bowling with friends. Over the years they continued to be very close to relatives on Freds side, and often traveled from town to town visiting. They enjoyed sharing meals together, catching up, and would usually play a card game or two while there. As always, Marjorie's great sense of humor was enjoyed by all as well as her easy going ways. Marjorie was also a lover of poetry. Her gift giving was always accompanied by a personal poem. When grandchildren came along, Fred and Marjorie were in their glory. They absolutely loved being grandparents and spent as much time as they could with grandsons, Nathaniel and Matthew. After Fred sadly died in 1999, Marjorie relied on the love and support from family and close friends. She continued to live on her own, spending as much time as she could with her precious grandsons, and remained involved in their lives. Marjorie felt safe and secure in her close knit, wonderful neighborhood. With seven other widows on her street, they each looked after one another and enjoyed getting together from time to time. Always fun to be with, Marjorie had a way about her which made it enjoyable to share in conversation. She was especially close to Marge Goosen and Evelyn Swanson, along with Dick and Ardis Peters. Marjorie had her share of health issues, including a knee replacement, but with her positive outlook, she always recovered just fine. In the last years of her life, Marjorie lived in the loving haven of Mark and Jane's home where she received tender care from her family with the assistance of Visiting Nurses and Hospice. She had always been close to her son, and these times created such special moments for each of them. A special mother-daughter bond evolved between Marjorie and her daughter-in-law, and was founded on sincere and genuine love which will forever remain a treasure. As the years began to take their toll, Marjorie's health worsened. Sadly, on Monday, April 2, 2012, Marjorie Emma Anderson died at the age of 92 having fulfilled much in her lifetime, especially in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. A sincere and gentle hearted woman to all whom she touched, she will be greatly missed. Marjorie is survived by her sons, Greg Anderson and Mark (Jane) Anderson, both of Spring Lake; grandsons, Nathaniel and Matthew; sisters-in-law, Elaine Anderson of N. Muskegon and Marygene Anderson of Iowa; several nieces and nephews. SERVICE: Thursday, April 5, 2012, 7:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to her service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Dan Smith officiating. Interment at East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. MEMORIAL: Heartwood Lodge-Hospice. Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to share a special memory with Marjorie's family and to sign her online guest book.