Margie B. M. Waterman

Margie Brice Mackay Waterman (nee Day) passed away peacefully at Birch-Patrick Convalescent Center on July 5th at the age of 94. She lived a long and happy life, residing in England, Canada, and the United States. Margie was born in Birmingham, England to Jack and Gertrude Day where she thrived living amongst her Grandparents and cousins for several years. She moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne where she grew up doing exceptionally well in school, excelling academically and athletically in swimming. Towards the end of her studies she matriculated with distinction in English and received credit in several languages primarily French, German and Latin.

At this tense time in England between 1938-1939 as War became imminent with Germany Margie’s civil servant preparation placed her 6th in England and Wales out of over 9,000 applicants. As war broke out she transferred from University to the civil service into the ATS (auxiliary Territorial Service). Her role during the time she served was notable for being picked to be part of the team contributing to the deciphering of Morse code from Germany.

It was during this frightening, also described by her as also highly exciting time that Margie met and fell in love with an American service man, Paul D. Waterman who served in the American Air force. Over the next two years they married and had a son. While Paul continued serving Margie left England to live in Canada with his family. Travel was still unpredictable by sea due to the war and the journey with her young son Paul (PJ) and now being several months pregnant with Peter, her journey on what she describes as a 13 ton Banana boat was, terrifying!

Margie and Paul lived in Rock Island, Quebec Canada for a short time then Margie, missing her family so much decides, now with a daughter as well (Elizabeth age 1) to return to England. Thrilled to be back with her parents and two younger sisters, Pauline and Valerie. She worked happily next to her sisters as they were all employed for several years for Margie’s father, in a factory he had built that made ironing boards and were sold them all over Europe. It was during the mid-5o’s that Margie’s father- in- law died necessitating Paul’s need to go back and be closer to his mother. The family once again uprooted and returned by sea to Canada. After a year they moved into Vermont where they continued to work, Paul for GE and Margie honing her secretarial skills. Their first house was in Milton, Vermont where PJ, Peter, Libby and Jane attended schools. Both Marge and Paul loved the country and became avid gardeners, growing vegetables and flowers during Vermont’s short summers.

During this time also Margie wrote long letters home to England being often homesick for her family. Phone calls at that time in the early 60’s were still too expensive. She was able to go to England herself about every three years to reconnect with her family. Margie continued to enjoy reading and had an enormous collection of books. The brief times that she wasn’t employed she would immerse herself in her garden.

Sadly she and Paul divorced in the mid-sixties and as PJ had joined the navy, Peter had gone on to work in Boston, Libby to England to become a registered Nurse, she and Jane moved to Burlington where Jane finished High School.

Her older daughter, Libby had returned to Vermont in 1970 and moved to California in 1975, Marge was quite ready to give up long winters and move to be in sunny California near Libby and her daughter Anne. At 58, Marge, undaunted sought out successfully a job at San Ysidro Health Care Clinic working as their Dental Division Manager for several years. Marge worked very hard organizing their department, enjoyed her job , made many friends and retired at 66. Marge enjoyed her leisure for a time but was then lured out of retirement to work for a dentist, she admired and had worked with at SYHC center. This job helped keep Marge active and involved again and she remained until final retirement at 73.

During these years she had enjoyed the company of many friends often going to the Old Globe for plays, or just out enjoying San Diego. She was grateful to watch and be part of Anne’s life growing up and trips to SeaWorld where Anne worked for several years. Marge continued to read avidly, and thoroughly immersed herself in KPBS programs. Marge was able to remain in her home, as Libby lived close by for many years. The highlight was, when for whatever occasion PJ, Peter and Jane would come to visit with or without spouses and we would do the sights or just thoroughly enjoy raucous games of UNO together. These times I know she cherished dearly.

In her very late eighties she suffered several hip locations eventually necessitating her move to Birch-Patrick Convalescent home where she resided for 4.5 years.

Along with her four children: Paul J. Waterman Ajo, Az. Peter R. Waterman, Rhode Island/Florida, Elizabeth K. Waterman Chula Vista Ca. Jane E. Erekson, Acton, Ma. she also leaves her two sisters Mrs. Pauline Murphy, Solihull England, Mrs, Valerie Young also of Solihull, England several grandchildren: Anne Oswald, Nampa ID., Christopher Waterman Peoria AZ., Melissa Waterman, Rhode Island, Heather Waterman RI., Jennifer Pelletier RI., Bethany Caruso RI. Great Grandchildren: Jacob, Timothy, Madison, Andrew, Lauren, David and Alexis Day. Margie also leaves several nieces, nephews and cousins that reside in England, her beloved birthplace. Marge touched us all in many ways she was loved and will be missed by many.