Marjorie C Chambers

Marjorie “Budgie” Catherine Chambers, a loving wife, a wonderful and dedicated mother and grandmother, an exceptional teacher, and a woman of faith, died Friday the 23rd of October at her home with family by her side.

Born April 22nd, 1922 in St. Paul, MN, to William and Caroline Ross. Budgie had an older sister Lenore and 3 younger brothers who passed in childhood. Budgie received a Bachelors degree in Education from University of Minnesota. While teaching for the DOD in Quantico, VA, Budgie met Lt. John Chambers, the love of her life. They married in 1946, had 7 children and a wonderfully full life, settling finally in San Diego in 1955.

Budgie Chambers lived what she valued and dedicated herself to it unabashedly.

• A wife who loved and admired her husband. Early on Budgie was a military wife, moving frequently and adding to their family of boys all along the way, ultimately settling in San Diego with the final count: 6 boys -1 girl. Budgie continued to be the wind beneath John’s wings as they raised their children and pursued a post military career.

• A selfless and dedicated mom and grandma. Budgie always had time for her children. She taught them foremost about God, mostly by example. And Budgie was active with her children! Whether it was dancing, painting, calypso stories, Presidio picnics, family nights, listening, or sometimes lecturing, Budgie loved her children and they knew it everyday.

• A teacher and supporter of children. Budgie was a beloved kindergarten teacher, starting 5 and 6 year-olds off on a positive educational path for more than 27 years. Budgie delighted in learning how to reach each student and send them forward with knowledge, a love of learning, and belief in their ability and her students loved her for it.

• A friend and people person. Budgie was a good and caring friend and she processed a true love of people. There was an open door policy at the Chambers house. Budgie had her friends and they made their own fun from which we all richly benefited. She welcomed her children’s’ friend with the same warmth. Watching Budgie care for people and be a friend was an example of what had true value in life.

Budgie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lt Col John Stuart Chambers and their son, Timothy Joseph Chambers.

She is survived by her children, Michael & wife JoEllen Chambers, Stephen & wife Pamela Chambers, Kevin & wife Cheryl Chambers, Brian & wife Kim Chambers, Gregory & wife MaryAnne Chambers, Mary & husband Stephen Camarata; and grandchildren, John & wife Trudy Chambers, Jeff Chambers, Christina Chambers, Rebecca and husband Anthony Rubino, Elizabeth Chambers, Tom Chambers, Andrew & wife Kim Chambers, Nich & wife Megan Chambers, Neina & husband Kent Gordon, Kelly Chambers, Ryan & wife Katie Chambers, Stuart & wife Lara Chambers, Matthew Chambers, Amy Chambers, Erin & husband Jenner Smith, Joseph Chambers, Sean Chambers, Madeline Chambers, Andrew & wife Molly Camarata, Kathryn & husband Brent Burish, Laura Camarata & husband Elie Bergsman, Anthony & wife Ryan Camarata, William Camarata, Vincent & wife Esther Camarata, Jane Camarata; and great grandchildren, Michael Chambers, Emma Chambers, Joshua Chambers, Ella Chambers, Audrey Chambers, Samantha Chambers, Amani Gordon, Cole Chambers, Jackson Smith, Ben Smith, Adalyn Camarata, Nina Burish, Gweneth Burish, Adam Burish, and John Camarata; all of whom brought her immense joy.

*The funeral Mass is scheduled for 10am, November 3rd at St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church with a rosary the evening before (November 2nd). Budgie will be laid to rest beside her husband at El Camino Memorial Park.