Marjorie W. MacMillen

Remembering the life of a loved one can not be adequately put into words. I hope this tale of who mom was and the lives she touched does her justice. Born November 2, 1937 Marge was born into a long line of law enforcement professionals going back centuries. A great grandfather (many times over) is buried in St. Mary’s Church in Limerick, Ireland in 1639 who served as Sherriff of Limerick for many years.

Mom was painting her bedroom when she was a late teen/early twenty and was speaking on the phone with a man she would go out with on weekends. My father, Paul MacMillen, took the phone from this man and asked “Who’s this?” Mom’s reaction was “Who the heck is this?” He said his name was Paul. After a brief conversation, he was going to take her out although she insisted she was painting her room. Dad showed up in a three piece suit, dark curly hair, put on an apron and helped her paint her room. Then they played ping pong. They were married two months later and enjoyed 32 years together.

Mom was very active in the community, from being on the PTA Board, civic improvement associations, and taking on the Mayor and the City of Providence over a rehab housing unit which was planned to be built across the street from her home. She was all for helping those with the disease, although this ‘plan from the city’ was a half hearted attempt to gain votes for the current election. Unsavory characters would cause a slew of problems in the neighborhood and hassle the children, which she had three. Mom had to sit on the porch of several occasions with a shotgun to protect the children. She won that battle and the plans from the city were scrapped. Way to go MOM!!!

She was a great wife, is a great mother, a true friend and has an iron will that runs miles deep. Compassionate to others, she led a local church Bingo group for years, helping others who had hearing problems and others who would miss a number and make sure each got a gift if they won.

People who have spoken of her to me through the years have always had wonderful things to say about her. I can only hope that when my time comes, the same can be said of me.

I love you mom.