Marjorie Margie Clark Ann Toczko James

Marjorie Ann Toczko James passed away at age 78 on July 7, 2014 in Brewster, MA. She died peacefully in her sleep at the Epoch Senior Healthcare in Brewster, where she resided due to dementia and decreased mobility.

Marjorie was born March 23, 1936 in New Britain, CT to Mildred Clark Toczko and Leon Toczko. She was the youngest of eight children, and is survived by her older brother Richard and older sister Carol. Marjorie left Connecticut at 18 to join the George Tapps dancers, moving first to Los Angeles, CA with her brother Donald and family friend Robert Ingraham, and then to Las Vegas, NV. She performed in Las Vegas at several resorts, becoming the poster girl for the Royal Nevada during its brief run and with several notable celebrities at the Tropicana Resort in the 1950s. She married Ronald D. James of Los Angeles, CA in 1955. After Marjorie injured her back while performing, the couple moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s and adopted daughter Tamara Louise James-Wyachai in 1967. After divorcing her husband, Marjorie took the Erhard Seminars Training (“est”) and became an assistant seminar leader, then joined Van Hurst Interior Design as a consultant. She returned to the East coast in 1983, settling in Yarmouthport, MA and then Eastham, MA with her brother, Donald Clark. She was a marvelous story teller who loved to crochet. She made many lap blankets and afghans for various AIDS organizations on Cape Cod. Marjorie also bred Yorkshire terriers, and was predeceased by her beloved Trinket, who used to travel everywhere in Marjorie’s purse.

A wonderful mother and grandmother, Marjorie is survived by her daughter Tamara, and her grandchildren Tanika and Dylan. In 1952, following the death of her mother Mildred, Marjorie lived with her sister Dorothy (now deceased) and her niece Katherine. Dorothy’s third daughter Marjorie was named for her aunt, and her second daughter Nancy moved to CA and forged strong bonds with her Aunt Marjorie and cousin Tamara. Marjorie is also survived by many other nieces and nephews who have fond memories of Aunt Marjie’s earthy humor, anecdotes from her Las Vegas days, love of young children, and determination to change people’s feelings about liver and vegetables. Marjorie was also a loving friend who provided an open home and compassionate ear for many women facing challenges in their lives.

Marjorie will be cremated. A memorial and scattering of her ashes will take place at a later date, to be announced. Donations may be made in Marjorie’s name to either the Heifer Organization (www.heifer.org) or Mama Hope (www.mamahope.org).