Marjory Tora Bannister

mother, sister, Auntie, and Grandma, she was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

Born in Seattle to Swedish immigrants John Robert and Emmy Carlson, Marge grew up in a family of five, with her sister and three brothers. The family home was located in Seattle about a mile north of Roosevelt High School. A streetcar ran right in front of the family home but not wanting to spend the nickel for the fare, she walked to school, to church near Greenlake, and almost everywhere else. Graduating with the class of 1944 she got a job at the Ben Franklin 10¢ store in Lake City, working at the candy counter. An active member of the USO during the war years she fondly remembered going downtown with her girlfriends to dance with the soldiers and sailors home on leave.

In 1946 she met and married the love of her life Bob Bannister. Together they found a nice couple of acres in Kenmore with a creek running through it. They cleared the land and built a little five room, one bedroom house. It was there that Marge grew into her true calling as a wife and mother. Her first son was born in 1947 and three more boys followed. She adored her boys and literally wrapped her life around them. The four boys were the beginning, but her joy of raising kids compelled her to sign herself, and dad, up as foster parents. Mom's welcoming heart and complete acceptance of everyone made their house a home for all, so as the family grew so did the house.

Over the years the house eventually grew to eight bedrooms as they welcomed more than 30 foster kids as well as a number of exchange students, into their home. Some stayed a few months, others for years. Their daughter Janet was adopted in 1968. Yukiko came to Seattle as part of a tour package in 1980. After returning to Japan to finish college she wrote to mom asking if she could come back and stay for a while (and bring her dog). Of course! She moved in and never left our family. It was truly a joyful house full of kids and boundless love.

Eighteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren kept Grandma busy and happy right up until her last days. She was truly an example of unconditional love, compassion, and a model of a life well spent. She is survived by son Bill (Barbara), James (Suzanne), Tom (Rhonda) Jerry (Cindy), Janet, and Yukio (Scott). A memorial service is planned for August 9th at 1:00 in the afternoon, at Bothell first Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to the Swedish Foundation c/o Tom Bannister, or Evergreen Hospice Care