Marjorie Ann Bishop

Our sweet mother, Marjorie Ann Bishop, “Margie,” passed away on March 6, 2023 at the age of 86 years old. The daughter of Everett and Alice Blanchard, Margie grew up a farm girl in Dayton, Oregon. The oldest of four children, she loved living next door to her beloved grandparents. Many of her fondest childhood memories were of trips to the beach with Grandma and Grandpa Wirfs. Her love of the beach remained intact her entire life.

Margie married her high school sweetheart, Harold Keith Hedgecock, in 1953, and they immediately began growing their family. By the time she was 29 years old, she was the mother of six busy children. Her focus was on her family, attending baseball and softball games, and she had perfected her ability to silently climb our squeaky stairs, catching her children in the act of whichever version of misbehavior they were currently creating. A brave woman, Margie would also pack up her brood for a camping trip to Canada, the lake or the coast. She also worked as a licensed realtor with Bucher Real Estate for many years.

Harold and Margie bought a home in Maplewood, a Portland neighborhood, where they raised their family. In 1978, Margie was finally and blissfully promoted to Grandmother. Eventually that number grew to eighteen grandchildren, of whom she boasted at every available opportunity. Currently, she has 46 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

After thirty-seven years of marriage, Harold passed away, and Margie was alone for a few years. Then she met Harry Bishop, whom she married in 1995. They became the proud owners of a winnebago and enjoyed countless impromptu camping visits to the beach, in addition to some cross-country travels. Great memories were also made on cruises and church history tours. Both having lost spouses to death, they appreciated the companionship they enjoyed in their later years. Harry passed away in 2020.

In Margie’s opinion, it was never too late at night to start a game of pinochle, hearts, hand & foot, golf, up & down the river, rummy, or any number of card games. A smart woman with a sharp memory, she was often on the winning team. Of course, it helps to be a relentless bidder and fearless extra-card-obtainer.

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Margie served in many positions at church, mostly with the children. She was the Blazer Scout Leader for ten years, Primary President and Primary Chorister. As she penned in a poem, her call was to the children.

Margie is survived by her children Michael (Odessa) Hedgecock, David (Lori) Hedgecock, Kathy (Bryant) Alexander, John (Jan) Hedgecock, and Jane (Paul) Christiansen. She was preceded in death by her husbands Harold Hedgecock and Harry Bishop, her parents, and her daughter Lori Kelgard. The family wishes to express sincere and heartfelt thanks to Anne Marie and Julie, her caregivers at Fromont Care Homes, for their loving care provided to our Mom these past several months.