Marjorie Katherine Reitz passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, on April 17, 2021, she was 93 years old. Marge was born May 18, 1927 to Norman and Phebe Grant in Crystal, Maine and she was the sole survivor of 17 children, 12 brothers and 5 sisters. Marge lost her mother when she was 18 months old and was raised by her elder siblings. She shared many stories about her childhood growing up in the woods of Maine and how love and laughter always got her through the hard times.
Marge met and married William E. Reitz, a career Navy Submariner, on July 19, 1943. They eventually settled in Port Hueneme and had two children, Lizabeth Ann Freeman and Lynda Sue Norton. Marge was a consummate homemaker and built her life around her family. She was a tireless mother who would do anything for her girls. She was fiercely loyal to friends and family, dependable and radiated positive energy. The door was always open for friends and neighborhood children and she made everyone who stepped through it feel special and welcome.
Marge was a wonderful hostess, and an excellent cook and baker. Her famous lemon cake and chocolate chip cookies were a favorite at gatherings, There was not much that Marge could not fix around the house and she often shared her talents with friends. Marge devoted many hours to parish and school activities at St. Anthony's and continued to volunteer her time to organizations that she felt connected to, such as the
Submarine Veterans' Wives of WWII.
Marge always had a smile on her face and a good word to share. A beautiful flower garden was her pride and joy. She passed along her love of growing sweet peas to her daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters. Spring flowers were freshly picked in vases around her house and shared with friends. Marge loved a good joke and she had a great sense of humor.
Marge was blessed to cared for in her home by her daughters and a special group of caregivers who were lifelong family friends. The Reitz family would like to express our love and gratitude to Cathy Donlon-Montoya, Kathy Knoebber, Lindi Checky and Gloria Berber. We'd also like to thank Assisted Hospice, Natasha and Elvie. The special care made Marge feel safe and loved by everyone.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband, William in 2013. She is survived by her daughters, Lizabeth Freeman (Paul Thurston) of Oxnard and Lynda Sue Norton (Chris Norton) of Oxnard; sister-in-law Claire Korgie of Columbus, NE, brother and sister-in-law John and Wilma Reitz of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA: grandchildren Kelley Gastineau (Ace) of Goodyear, AZ, Ryan Freeman (Emily) of Firestone, CO, Travis Norton of Ventura, CA and Lacey Norton (Devin Grace) of Ventura, CA; Great Grandaughters, Ellie Liberto and Olivia Gastineau of Goodyear, AZ, Paige Freeman of Firestone Co, Harley Grace of Ventura, CA, great grandson Clayton Freeman of Firestone CO, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
A graveside celebration of Marge's life will be private due to COVID restrictions. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marge's name to the Alzheimer's Association or your local animal shelter.
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