Marjorie J. Heaston

The best of mothers, Marjorie Heaston passed away on October 28, 2007, in the Torrance home she loved for more than 50 years. She was 88 years old. Born on September 4, 1919 in Cresco, Iowa, our mother grew up on her family's farm in South Dakota, the harsh decades of the 1920s and 1930s tempered by innumerable brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles. When she visited California in 1940, she lost her heart to tall, dark and handsome John Heaston, who in turn fell in love with her and her large, boisterous family. Margie taught rural school before marrying our dad and moving to California for good.

Mom and Dad had seven children - Jack (Susan), Mike (Eileen), Sandy (Jim Bonato), Ron (Jean), Larry (Becky), Debbie (Jerry Kemp), and Rick Heaston. Dad's Northrop career and mom's work at Bank of America led to later years of retirement, travel and, always, family. Sadly, dad left his sweetheart far too early, in 1988. She still found joy in travels with her sister Flo and friends, in painting, ceramics, her devoted card ladies, and visiting us and her many grandchildren (8) and great grandchildren (7 so far). She took special joy in family who were closest to her as she grew older - Ron and his sweet Jeannie, Debbie and her loving Jerry, and her tallest Rick. We thank our mother for the gifts of character, love, and constancy.

We are grateful for mom's special caregivers Patricia, Gloria, and Dory. We appreciate the care and compassion of her doctors and the TMMC hospice team. Mom's way of going to be with God and dad was gentle and natural, and we are forever blessed.

Flowers to commemorate Marge will be warmly accepted, as would contributions made to one's favorite charity. We welcome any stories about mom that anyone wishes to share at her vigil.

Visitation will be held from 6 pm to 7 pm, Sunday, Nov. 4th, Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd,, Torrance. Prayer vigil and commemoration of Marge's life follows at 7:15 pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 5th, 10 am, St. Catherine Laboure Church, 3846 Redondo Beach Blvd., Torrance. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.