Marjorie Elaine Gonyea, age 105, passed away on November 8th at the Eastside Adult Family Home in Bellevue, Washington. She was lovingly cared for by their staff for 3 years, and died peacefully.
Born on April 4th, 1919 to Clare and Mabel Johnson of Lindstrom, Minnesota, Marge to everyone who knew her, was a unique and caring individual who touched the lives of all who knew her. Marge grew up surrounded by a large family. She had only one sibling, older brother Robert Johnson, but had a Great Grandmother, a Grandma who lived with them, and many special Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. They were a happy, fun-loving crew who were always up to something entertaining, and loved and cared for one another. They influenced her to be a loving and caring woman-always giving her time and gifts to others.
Marge graduated fromCentral High School in Minneapolis when she was barely 16, and was thought to be too young to attend college. Instead, she went to work for the City of Minneapolis Engineering Department. She was employed there until August 11, 1943 when she married Willian “Bill” Gonyea whom she met at a sleigh ride in 1939. Bill was in the Navy, and shortly after their wedding he was ordered to sea duty in the South Pacific, and she returned to her work for the city. He was gone for 4 years without a leave. Thus started her “career” in the Navy (she always thought that and spouse of a military individual ought to also be thought to be “in the service”). That “career” included 28 moves before his retirement to Oak Harbor, Washington in 1961, and led to a lifelong interest in traveling which she pursued with friends and family throughout her lifetime.
Marge was a fulltime mother to their two children, but always found time for her friends and community service projects. Her kids volunteered her for every school activity as well as Brownie and Cub Scout outings, Little League and church functions. She taught Sunday School at Navy bases from Midway Island to Bermuda, and children adored her. Eventually, she began working as a Secretary for Oak Harbor High School. She loved that job, and worked there until 1971 when she and Bill moved to a charming little home on the Clackamas River in Oregon. They would enjoyed their retirement until Bill’s death in 1982. In 1987 she moved back to the Seattle area to be closer to her adult children and Grandchildren.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband Bill, and her brother Robert Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Pat (Eric) Daane of Bothell, her son Bob (Beverly) Gonyea of CleElum, 6 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many, many friends. She was loved and respected by all.
A private family gathering will be held at Acacia Memorial Park in Seattle, Washington on Monday, December 2nd.
