Marjorie Jane Harrington

Marjorie Jane Harrington Passed into her Eternal Life on May 5, 2020. Born Marjorie Jane Rothley in 1941, Marge was the third of four children born to Eric Theodore and Helen Hackett Rothley in Delaware, Ohio. She spent the rest of her childhood in Norwood, Ohio where she was a member of Sts Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church. Marge attended Regina High School and Our Lady of Cincinnati/Xavier University where she received her teaching degree. Her time spent as a camp counselor and cheerleader prepared her for her lifelong vocation as an energetic and inspiring teacher to so many. Whether as wife, mother, teacher, catechist, neighbor or friend, Marge was always serving and always teaching by word and deed.

Marjorie married the love of her life, Thomas Joseph Harrington of Springfield, Ohio. Settling in Dayton, Ohio, they raised five children and enjoyed the visits of 16 grandchildren before full retirement to Ft. Myers, FL. Marge modeled a true servant’s heart and was the perfect life’s companion for Tom who was a busy Attorney. Marge was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and took great pride and joy in keeping her home ever ready to share her gifts of hospitality and faith; she never knew a stranger. She had an encouraging or a kind word for everyone, and was faithful to remember every single birthday or occasion, often with song. Marge had a great sense of humor and fun. She was known for hosting parties, bringing meals to neighbors old and new, huge ice-cream scoops, conga lines and unexpectedly funny things which would keep us all laughing. At large family gatherings on holidays we often played Risk. Marge never cared about winning; she just wanted to share fun with her family and defend whatever country or state in which her family lived against all threats, fiercely defending the territory and greatly disrupting the normal game strategy. Marge had a rebellious streak which would come out in always amusing ways!

Marge had an open nature and generous spirit, volunteering for many different organizations over the years. This included, but isn’t limited to, the Christ Child Society and the Junior League of Dayton, Ohio; she served as a Court Appointed Special advocate/Guardian ad Litem. As President of Women’s Auxiliary of the Dayton Bar Association, she recommended that the group disband because it was unnecessary. No more were women only the wives of lawyers, they were lawyers and professionals in their own right! As a religious education teacher she guided decades of children through their First Eucharist and Confirmation in the Catholic Church.

Marge truly lived one day at a time, and never looked back. Her strength came from faith in God, a grateful heart, returning to nature, and many dear lifelong friends along the way. She often exhorted, “eat dessert first!;” and lived by the motto, “You are as beautiful as the thoughts that you think, the words that you speak, and the deeds that you do.”

She is survived by her husband Thomas; sister, Mary Griesemer; brother, Bill Rothley; and her children, Mary Ellen (Robert) Surra, Theresa (Craig) Merrigan, Thomas, Daniel, Katie (Wade) McHargue and their children: Allison, Ian, Meghan, and Colin Surra; Hannah, Briana, Lily and Sarah Merrigan; Caitlyn, Christopher and TJ Harrington; Riley and Emma Harrington; Abigail, Caleb and Josiah McHargue, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sally Rothley and infant son, Gerard. Marge will be laid to rest in Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to St Raphael Catholic Church in Lehigh Acres, FL/ Marjorie Harrington Bursa Account to be used to supply the necessities of life for those unable to do so on their own.

Arrangements by Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Ft Myers, FL 33913. For information, please call 239-334-4880.