Marjorie Jean Loomis

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Marjorie Jean Loomis who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Marjorie was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Marjorie knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Marjorie was born on July 10, 1920 at Moline Maternity Home in Moline, Illinois. Her parents were Alexander and Helen Batchelor. Marjorie was raised in Moline, Illinois. Even as a youngster, Marjorie learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Marjorie was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Marjorie was raised with three siblings. She had an older brother Sandy and two older sisters May and Ella. Marjorie had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Marjorie, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Marjorie's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Marjorie enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In her spare time she liked help her mom raise and take care of cocker Spaniel dogs.

      In school, Marjorie was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Marjorie was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Marjorie’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Moline High School in 1938. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Drama and English.

      Marjorie’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Marjorie’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Marjorie saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. Her favorite courses were Theatre. She attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois and Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. She majored in Theatre Arts. She attended many Commercial Acting and Theatrical courses in Studio City and Los Angeles.

      Marjorie was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Marjorie was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Marjorie came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Charles, Armeda, Pat, Mac, Jake, Polly, Jan, Dolores, Sean, Trudy, Mike and Sue. Later in life, she became friends with Ellie, Jennie, Paul, Joan, Jean, Harry, Ann and Pat.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Marjorie reveled in the security of her family. On December 4, 1943 Marjorie exchanged wedding vows with William Sherman Loomis at the Christ Episcopal Church of Moline, Illinois. One of Marjorie’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Marjorie was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Marjorie would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Marjorie was blessed with two children, two daughters, Laurie and Barbara. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Doug, Danielle and Chelsea.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Marjorie was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Marjorie was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Marjorie upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was administrative assistant. She was employed for many years by Lockheed Corporation. Marjorie was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Marjorie approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, theatre arts, playing Bridge (Couple's Club), going out to eat. Marjorie was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Marjorie to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included cheerleading. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football ( Pitsburgh Steelers), Olympics and watching her grandchildren play sports.

      Being generous with her time and energy, Marjorie liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In college, Marjorie joined the Alpha Chapter of Phi Mu Kappa. Throughout her later years, Marjorie was an active member of the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and a Bridge club.

      A civic-minded person, Marjorie was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Marjorie was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Downey Childrens Theatre. Politically, Marjorie was a member of the Republican Party. During these years, Marjorie applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Marjorie could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to her by those she helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Marjorie; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of her most prestigious awards included "Best Actress" from the Long Beach Theatre and Arts.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Marjorie used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Marjorie had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included month long camping trips to Lake Tahoe for 15 years. A trip to tour Scotland. Many Laughlin getaways.

      Marjorie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Marjorie’s favorites was Penny - won the singing dog contest on Johnny Carson Show in 1988. They were best friends for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her dog Tinker and her cat Blackjack.

      When Marjorie’s retirement finally arrived in 1970, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, she found new pleasure in theatre, commercials, television and films. She acted in All in the Family, Malcom in the Middle, Little Black Book, Mr. Deeds and Don't mess with Zohahn. In many ways, Marjorie loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Marjorie passed away on November 12, 2009 at Downey Community Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 66 years Bill, daughters Laurie and Barbara, son in-law Rich and her grandchildren Doug (Lisa), Danielle (Morgan) and Chelsea. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home Chapel in Bellflower, CA. Marjorie was laid to rest in Long Beach, CA.

      All who knew her would agree that Marjorie was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Marjorie Jean Loomis did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.