Marjorie Ann Riley

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Marjorie Ann Riley. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Marjorie was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant. Marjorie was born on at home, on E. Broadway in E. Toledo. She was the daughter of Oscar and Beatrice (Drake) Maze. Marjorie was raised in E. Toledo. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Marjorie was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Marjorie's personality throughout her life. Though Marjorie was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Marjorie was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Marjorie worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Marjorie was the oldest of seven. She had brothers: Ira, Eugene and sister: Dorothy, Faith, Elnora and Dolores. Marjorie and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another. As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Marjorie was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Marjorie was always tactful. One thing Marjorie will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Marjorie had a number of interests and was an active child. Marjorie took part in playing in the street. She liked to ice and roller skate at Pearson Park and sledding in Navarre Park. She was a Girl Scout, and attended many functions at E. Toledo Neighborhood House. For Marjorie, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Marjorie was also adept at details. Marjorie was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. There was one thing that all of Marjorie's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Marjorie was such a popular person throughout her life. But Marjorie was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Marjorie was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Marjorie was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Marjorie was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Marjorie was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Marjorie made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Wilma Myrice, Dolores Hanthorne, and her cousin Sylvia Heuer. Later in life, she became friends with Liz and Rich Hauenstein, Mike and Carol Chizmar, Larry Voigt and Janice Mallory. Harmony was important to Marjorie and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Marjorie was blessed with Five Children, 3 sons: Frank, Gordon 'Corky', Danny; 2 Daughters: Cindy and Michelle. They were also blessed with Six Grandchildren, Ami, Michael, Megan, Danny, Katie, and Anthony. Marjorie was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Marjorie was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Marjorie would listen before she would act. Taking her work seriously came naturally to Marjorie, and she expected the same from those around her. Marjorie was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Marjorie was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Marjorie handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupations were: factory labor, nurses aid, housekeeping at a local nursing home. She was employed for most of her life in several different occupations. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues. A methodical woman, Marjorie enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were camping, playing cards and different games with friends, playing bunco, and reading. Marjorie was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Marjorie was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included bowling league. Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Marjorie to become actively involved in professional and community organizations through her church. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, and she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, she attended Teen Town at the shelter house at Navarre Park. Her high moral standards and traditional values served Marjorie well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of Heritage Church of God in Maumee, OH. During that time, she was a member of the chior, attended the seniors group, ladies tea, and Christian Women in Action. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could. Not only did Marjorie enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included winters in Florida with her loving companion, George. She made many trips to Maine to visit her daughter Michelle, trips to California and South Dakota to see son Frank and his family. There were also trips to Branson MO with George and friends. Marjorie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Toby, who was a best friend for 13 years. Since it was easy for Marjorie to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Marjorie was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2001. Her new life involved moving in with Cindy. In retirement, she found new pleasure in music, attending seniors group at church, taking part in the water arobics at the YMCA, having lunch with her sisters and brother-in-law, going on outings to different resturants with friends from church. Even in retirement, Marjorie stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her. Marjorie passed away on May 10, 2014 at Toledo Hospital. She fought a brave battle against heart disease and COPD. She is survived by her children; Frank, Cindy, Michelle, and Danny; her grandchildren: Ami, Megan, Danny, Katie and Anthony. Services were held at Hoeflinger Bolander Funeral Home and the luncheon was at Heritage Church of God. Marjorie was laid to rest in Restlawn Memorial Park, Perrysburg Ohio. Marjorie was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Marjorie was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Marjorie Ann Riley.