Marjorie A Terhar

Marjorie Ann (Liedtke) Terhar, known as Marge, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at the age of 97. A caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, and a friend to many, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marge was born on May 17, 1929, to Francis J. and Mary Liedtke in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Holy Names Academy where she excelled academically, graduated with honors and was the Salutatorian of her class. She was also a cheerleader, a member of the musical theater group, and editor of the school newspaper.

During her high school years, Marge was set up on a blind date with Edward A. (Ed) Terhar. Although the first date did not go well, she agreed to see him again, and he eventually became the love of her life.

Marge attended Seattle University, pursuing her love of journalism as a reporter for the school newspaper. When she and Ed married on August 5, 1950, she paused her studies to focus on home life. Their marriage lasted 73 years, until Ed’s death in 2023.

Marge and Ed had seven children: Mike, Theresa, Dennis, Judi, Mary, Barbara and Chris. Marge spent the next couple of decades keeping the house running smoothly and shuttling the children between school and sports practices. She was also very active at St. Matthews Parish is Seattle, where the children attended school, playing the organ at Mass every Sunday and serving in the Women’s Guild.

In 1971, Ed’s work transfer had the family moving to California. He went ahead and spent several months there while Marge stayed behind, caring for all seven children, who ranged in age from 17 years to 8 months, and packed up the house. Shortly after moving in, the Sylmar earthquake hit and Marge navigated evacuations with the children in tow- quite the welcome to their new state!

After the family settled in, Marge continued her volunteering at their new church, Our Lady of Lourdes, where she taught generations of altar servers and religious education classes, was part of the Liturgy Committee and worked with the Women’s Guild. She also found time to volunteer with Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND) for 13 years, co-chairing its fundraising committee and helping write grant proposals that raised $4.5 million for the organization. In 2012, the Carl and Roberta Deutsch Foundation awarded her the Halo Award for her exceptional volunteerism with MEND. She was extremely honored to be recognized by Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in 2019 for her Faith and Service to the Church.

Marge also decided it was time to complete her college education and enrolled at Cal. State Northridge and earned her degree in Journalism.

Throughout their marriage, Ed and Marge traveled to various destinations, hosted friends and family for dinners and parties, and opened their doors to exchange students from many countries, many who continued to stay in touch long after they left.

As grandchildren arrived, Marge and Ed created their own version of daycare. While the parents worked, they took many of their grandchildren to museums and aquariums, with lunches at favorites like Wendy’s and Souplantation. Marge captured these outings in photographs to preserve the memories.

Marge made every holiday special with decorations and homemade treats, from an assortment of Christmas cookies to a lamb-shaped Easter cake. She always hung the stockings by December 5, ready for the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6.

She shared her love of dogs with her children and grandchildren and let her children bring home nearly any animal, as long as they cared for it. Marge brought thought and love to everything she did for her family. Her traditions and the memories she created will live on.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ed, and her son-in-law Kevin. She is survived by her children: Mike and Sue (Hunt) Terhar, Theresa Terhar, Dennis Terhar, Judi Terhar, Mary Terhar Letson, Glenn and Barbara Terhar Hogue, Chris and Katie (McAnany) Terhar. Grandchildren: Jeff and Theresa (Rydie) Terhar, Riley Terhar, Kyle Terhar, Ashley Letson Wacaster, Tyler and Daniela (Ramirez) Letson, Hunter Hogue, Sydney Hogue, Lucy Terhar, Joe Terhar and Tom Terhar. Great-grandchildren: Maverick Wacaster, Theo Terhar and Teagan Terhar, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on November 22 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Bastian and Perrott, Oswald Mortuary in Northridge, with a Rosary at 4:00 pm.

The funeral mass will be held on November 23 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes in Northridge with a celebration of life immediately following in the Moran Center.

In lieu of flowers Marge has asked that donations be made to one of her favorite charities: M.E.N.D, Jesuits West, St. Jude’s or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.