Marjorie May Schaller

Marjorie May Harper Schaller, December 30, 1920 – October 20, 2017 Marjorie Harper was born in New Plymouth, Idaho to Fred and Agnes (Swatman) Harper. She grew up a country girl on her family’s fruit farm in nearby Emmet. Marjorie’s family valued education. Accordingly, she earned her undergraduate degree at the College of Idaho then, after a harrowing car ride to catch up and pass a missed train, went on to get a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Smith College in Massachusetts. Her professional career was focused on helping others, especially children. After a stint working in a mental hospital in New Jersey and enjoying the sights and sounds of New York, Marjorie found a new job in Seattle. Soon after, she met her future husband, Leonard Schaller. Marjorie and Leonard were married on the fruit farm in Idaho in 1948. They then built a new home in Rainier Beach, raised their two children, and enthusiastically enjoyed life with family and friends. Marjorie was a vibrant and outgoing woman who was an active member of her church community, neighborhood, hiking group, book club, PEO, mycological society, and many other groups and organizations. She loved the outdoors and became an avid hiker. This was an activity that she pursued well into her 90’s. Marjorie chose to celebrate her 90th birthday by making her first (and as she loudly proclaimed afterwards, her last) parachute jump at Snohomish field. The majority of their retirement years were spent in the Cathcart area of Snohomish. Later, she chose to move to Warm Beach Senior Community where she made new friends and enjoyed many years. Marjorie was very dear to all who knew her. It was said that she made everyone she met feel as if they were her best friend. Marjorie Schaller passed away quietly after a very full and active life. She will be sorely missed. Survivors include son Loren Schaller, daughter Jane Schaller Lewis, and grandchildren, Sonya, Zachary, Nadia, Nicole, Karin and Trevor. A Celebration of Marjorie’s Life will be held at Warm Beach Senior Community Beachwood Lounge at 20420 Marine Drive, Stanwood on December 16th at 11:00AM. Donations in her name can be made to the United Methodist Church of Snohomish for CROP Walk or PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund. All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any message or stories for the Schaller family.