Marjorie Sarah Harp

Mother. Grandmother. Sister. Cousin. Friend. Marjorie Sarah Elias Harp, born December 9, 1932, left this world on the afternoon of November 5, 2015.

Marjorie was born in Donora, Pennsylvania. At a young age, her family moved to El Paso, Texas, where she continued to reside. She raised and made a home for three children who, through their success and generosity, honored their mother’s hard work, unfailing dedication and love. She solely and courageously opened and operated a clothing boutique for several years. Its prosperity was due to her strong work ethic, love for fashion, but mostly due to her open heart and mind when customers just needed someone to care. Marjorie’s passion and sharpest talent was cooking. There was no place she felt more fulfilled than in her kitchen. Her favorite holiday and time of year was Thanksgiving, where she would tout yearly; "The house has to smell like there's food in the kitchen. That is so important." Yet, there was nothing Marjorie placed above time spent with friends and family. Perhaps her most honorable quality, Marjorie always persevered. Regardless of the hand she was dealt -- and did not deserve -- she carried herself with grace and will. All her experience and hardships made her an intelligent and caring woman of flawless integrity until her final day.

Even when stricken with emphysema, she decided to be joyful about embracing a full life, rather than dismal about life ending. She loved to laugh and found humor when most did not. She embraced an inner sense -- a knowing -- which drew people to her. She became their guide, their counselor, their friend. Never would she betray a confidence, even if she herself had been betrayed. A man of notable accomplishments, her husband, Dene Harp, adored her. His mightiest, most honored treasure was his wife, Marjorie. Marjorie suffered Dene's loss in August, 2006. Her true spirit never fully resurrected after the tragic loss of her 21-year-old son, Richard Patrick Malooly. Yet, she remained dignified in the presence of others, though, when alone, her heart wrenched with tears. He was her first born son, one with an independent strength that was unparalleled. His drive and ambition were his most remarkable qualities, for he was an entrepreneur at the young age of 19-years old.

She and her second-born son, Paul Malooly, would sit and talk for hours. He could tell his mother anything, and he did. She was there for him no matter the reason. Paul valued her advice, as her advice hailed from the wisdom of ages. Paul attributes all of his success and drive to his mother, Marjorie. Her daughter, Alexis Bond, was always found by her mother’s side in times of need. While they did not get to see each other often due to geographic restraints, they cherished every moment they did had together. Her first-born granddaughter, Taylor Dene Malooly, was the light of her life. They shared a relationship unlike any other. Her second-born grandchild, Paul Patrick Malooly, hung the moon and the stars in her eyes. Sophie Malooly, her third and final born grandchild, brought back a lightness and joy to the family that only a young soul could bring.

In the words of her devoted caretaker and cherished friend, Ruben Rivero, “There was no one quite like her. She was the epitome of class.”

Marjorie is survived by her two children, three grandchildren and three brothers, Edward, John and William Elias.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2015, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Martin West Funeral Home, with a Trisagion Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at 10:00 am at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley. Services officiated by The Very Reverend Father George Al-Dehneh. Pallbearers include Ruben Rivero, Robert Malooly, Albert Malooly, Glenn Horner, Juan Stockmeyer, LJ Shamaley, James Burkett, and Carlos Espinoza. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West 128 N. Resler, El Paso TX 79912. www.Martinfuneralhomewest.com