Marjorie "Marge" (Westwood) Chance, 93, lived an extraordinary life on earth! On March 15, 2018, she made a peaceful journey, surrounded by family, to her new heavenly life. This world will never be the same without Marge and she certainly leaves behind an exceptional footprint that will forever be loved, admired and remembered.
Marge was born on October 11, 1924, in Wichita, Kansas, to John and Marian Westwood. She was the oldest of five children. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John Westwood and Jerry Westwood, and her sister, Marian Flattery. Marge is survived by her youngest brother, Joe (Sharon) Westwood. She grew up in Wichita and graduated from East High in 1942 before attending nursing school at St. Francis.
Marge was proud to have served as a nurse before marrying her beloved husband, Harold Chance, in 1946. They had 5 beautiful children and enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Harold’s passing in 2010. Marge is survived by her son, Richard (Carol) Chance, and daughters Susie (Bill) Chew and Judy (Bruce) Nielsen. She was preceded in death by her youngest daughters, Katie Chance and Nancy (Doug) Stadnyck. Marge loved her family. Over the years, she created a legacy through her 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Her strong faith in God, love of family and close friendships rooted her in her blessed life. In many ways, Marge was the Matriarch in the Chance family. She instilled family traditions and the value of a close-knit family with gatherings whenever possible. This love did not end with family, as she and Harold had countless friendships over the years that endured a lifetime. Marge knew how to have a good time and enjoyed life to the fullest, while always appreciating the small things.
Marge was an avid golfer and a member at Rolling Hills Country Club for 53 years. She loved to travel. In fact, for over 40 years she spent the winters at her “second home” in paradise in Treasure Cay, Bahamas. She loved her friends and the community in the Abaco Islands. She showed heartfelt generosity, volunteered countless hours and donated to many causes that touched the lives of the local community, especially those in need.
Marge was a beautiful, happy, strong, confident and wise woman. A lot of hard work and a little luck were at the heart of the successes in her life. Many would say that Marge was the backbone of Harold’s success in business. In 1961, Chance Manufacturing Co., Inc. was born out of a love of trains and grew into a world-renowned manufacturer of carnival and amusement park rides. They both worked hard and sacrificed a lot to make his dream come true and provide for their growing family.
Marge was a philanthropist. She wanted to help those in need and supported many programs here in Wichita. Specifically, she was a generous benefactor for Newman University and in 2011 received an honorary doctorate degree in Humane Letters. She was instrumental in bringing the Nursing Degree program to Newman. Her legacy lives on in the Marjorie Chance Nursing Scholarship fund she created.
An open viewing will be held Sunday, March 18, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary. Her Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 19, and her Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 20. Both the Rosary and Mass will take place at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 3636 N. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67205.
Memorials may be made to A New Hope, A New Home: Built of Living Stones, checks payable to: Holy Savior Catholic Church, 3000 E. 13th. St. N., Wichita, KS 67214, and to Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church's Building Fund, 3636 N. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67205.
