Marjorie Maurer

She never sought the limelight but the glow from her life touched us all. She never sought wealth, but she was rich beyond measure in non-material ways. She never preached a sermon, but her life was a continuous testimony to God’s love and kindness. Our beloved wife and mother, Marjorie A. Maurer completed her work on earth on February 17, 2014 . She died as she lived – gently and graciously – in her home surrounded by family. Marjorie Ann Thompson was born on October 4, 1925, to Floyd and Mary (Mahan) Thompson of Minden City, Michigan. The world became a better place on that day. Marjorie attended Kelly School and Minden City High School, graduating in 1943. She completed a short course in Home Economics at Michigan State University in 1945. She married the love of her life, Gordon J. Maurer on May 17, 1947 and they were happily married for 66 years and 9 months. Together as kindred spirits, they built a life based on mutual respect, hard work and love for each other and their family. They were a wonderful example to us of all of the qualities that a loving, committed partnership personifies. She is survived by her husband, Gordon and daughters, Jan Maurer-Watkins (Glenn Watkins) of Napa, California and Pat Mausolf (Doug) of Sandusky and sons, Don (Mary) of Palms, Bob (Cherie) of Bad Axe, Bruce (Gail) of Ruth, and Joe of Whitmore Lake. Their oldest child, Joan, preceded her in death in 1997. Marjorie is also survived by fifteen grandchildren including: David (Amanda) Watkins, Chris (Sarah) Watkins, and Jessica Watkins, all of California; Erica London; Darek Maurer; Christy (Adam) Koehn; Craig (Dawn) Maurer; Carol (Josh) Quade; Jacob (Nichole) Maurer; Andy (Kayla) Maurer; Laura (Corey) Kubik; Luke Maurer; Adam Maurer; Justin Mausolf and Carly Mausolf, all of Michigan. Marjorie is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren: Lulu & Mason Watkins of California and Dylan & Alex Koehn; Tate & Bryce Quade; Zach & Nick London; Caitlyn; Julia; Aislyn; Eli; Audra & Liam Maurer all of Michigan. Marjorie was a good friend to everyone and she never met a stranger. When asked why she was talking to a person she didn’t know, her response always was, “I know them now”. Marjorie’s focus was always to put everyone else first. She always pointed out the positive and encouraged the very best. She truly believed that anything could be accomplished if enough effort was focused on the task. In addition to her love of family and friends, Marjorie loved quilting, sewing and baking. She was also an avid card player. It didn’t matter whether she was winning or losing, she loved to play the game. She always strove for perfection in her work product. She made pajamas for all of her grandchildren and those children she knew who didn’t have a grandma available to make pajamas for them. Regarding hospitality, there was always room for another around the dining room table and no one went away hungry. Her reputation as a baker was highlighted by her amazing home-made pies, bread, cinnamon rolls, raspberry cheesecake and cookies. Marjorie was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers. She was also honored and crowned as “Mama Ruth” in 2001. The light of Marjorie’s life focused on all children. She had the uncanny ability to relate to them and they responded in kind. Her vivacious, sincere, heart-warming smile warmed us all. She truly believed that laughter was food for the soul. To her nieces and nephews, she was known as the “fun loving aunt.” Because Marjorie so loved children, it is requested that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Jude Hospital for Children or a charity for children of your choice. There will be a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Peter & Paul in Ruth. Rev. Peter Nwokoye will officiate. Rosary will be said at 10:30 prior to the mass. Arrangements are being handled by Smigielski Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Saint Peter and Paul cemetery in Ruth.