Margery Joyce Lundquist Brumbaugh passed away quietly at home March 24, 2016, after a long illness.
She was born in West Seattle Sept. 20, 1933 and spent a happy childhood surrounded by her large, close-knit Scandinavian family. Together, they enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, berry picking and baking delicious Danish goodies and berry pies. Her Danish grandma taught her to knit and crochet. Many of her family members treasure the lovely afghans she made and everyone loved her berry pies.
After graduating from West Seattle High School in 1952, Marge worked as a secretary for Sears in Seattle and for Boeing. She then attended classes at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, where she met and fell in love with Ron. When he was drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Sill, they married and Marge joined him in Oklahoma. Brad was born in November of the following year. Two months later Ron was discharged and they returned to Central to finish his teaching degree. They settled in Centralia, where Ron began his career as Centralia Jr./Sr. High School band instructor. Daughter Gail arrived in November 1958.
Marge was the consummate wife and mother. She kept the home fires while supporting her active family’s participation in sports, school and band activities. She worked part time for the school district as a secretary and classroom aide. She especially loved little children. One of her favorite jobs was working with the preschool group, as part of a program designed to educate young women in child care and nurturing at Maple Lane. Marge taught the preschoolers while her associate teacher taught the teenagers. When the program ended, she got her real estate license and sold houses for Zuber and Gibson for a number of years. Later, she worked for the Napavine schools as a library assistant.
During the summer of 1972, the family traveled to Germany to visit friends and took an extensive road trip throughout Western Europe. They participated as hosts in a student exchange program. Over the years, they welcomed numerous German students into their home, for all or a part of a school term. Many of the parents came to Centralia to visit and to meet their student’s hosts. Lasting friendships developed, resulting in more friends to visit in Europe. Both Brad and Gail spent time in Germany during their high school years and Ron and Marge continued to travel. They bought a motor home and enjoyed taking trips around the United States, touring State and National Parks, spending time exploring the Southwest in winter and visiting and traveling with friends and family.
Marge was a special lady; kind, loving, talented, eager to help, funny, caring and smart. She was musical, artistic and could whip out a poem for any occasion to share with family and friends. She will be missed by many.
Ron would especially like to thank all the caregivers who helped Marge during her illness.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew E. Lundquist and Gladys V. Spiess Lundquist of West Seattle; younger brother, James A. Lundquist of Centralia; and her beautiful beloved daughter, Gail Marie Brumbaugh Blaser of Centralia.
She is survived by husband, Ronald Brumbaugh at home; son, Brad Lee Brumbaugh (Yvonne) of Port Angeles; grandchildren, Liesl Brumbaugh Voal (Dustin) of Bellingham, Ryan Brumbaugh (Kim) of Rochester, Kyler Brumbaugh of Burlington, Kade Brumbaugh of Africa, Ian Brumbaugh of Bellingham, Louie Blaser (Casey) of Centralia and Andy Blaser (Erin) of Vashon Island; four great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per Marge’s wishes there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please make checks payable to the Alzheimer’s Association: Development Department, Alzheimer’s Association, North Tower, 100 W. Harrison St., N200 Seattle, WA 98119.
