Marjorie Athlea (Trussell) Thornton passed away March 19, 2008 at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville.
Marjorie was born on Aug. 12, 1933 to Ben and Elva Trussell in a little log cabin across from Rhododendron Park in Coupeville. She joined four siblings, Rodney, Virginia, Bernard and Bette.
As a very small child, she knew Chief Snakelum, the last Indian chief who lived on the Island. At one time the Trussell family lived in a big farmhouse that stood on part of the property that is now the Outlying Field, where the Navy practices the touch-and-go landings on Smith Prairie.
Her family moved from Coupeville to the South End of the Island when she was 7 years old.
Marjorie attended the second grade at the old white Bayview School.
When she was 9, the family moved to the site that is now China City. The property was so wooded with virgin timber that the only view of the sky was straight up above. She walked three miles from there to the Mutiny Bay School to attend the third grade. The community schools were consolidated to Langley the next year, and she attended fourth grade through the rest of her school days there. Her eighth-grade graduation ceremony was held in the fair ground pole building.
Marjorie lived her entire life on the Island, and her home in Freeland is located on part of her family’s original 20-acre home site.
She was a devoted wife and mother and was a great influence in other people’s lives. She was a great piano player and loved to sing with her family. Marjorie decorated wedding and birthday cakes, was an excellent cook, and loved to grow and arrange flowers.
She was a devoted member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, and used all her talents to benefit others.
Marjorie is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Thomas Thornton of Freeland; son Phil Thornton and wife Marie, and their sons Hugh and Tim; daughter Diane and husband Bruce, grandson Tom Fallon, his wife Tami, and great-grandsons TJ and Trent; granddaughter Kristen Swanson and her husband Lance; son Don Thornton and wife Jackie, granddaughter Emily Faulkner and grandson Eric Thornton. Marjorie is also survived by her sister, Virginia Buxton, and her numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Daughter Jeannine Thornton-Skeels preceded Marjorie in death. She dearly loved her family and was very proud of them all.
Services will be held at Visser’s Funeral Chapel on Monday, March 24. A viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with services commencing at 1 p.m.
A gathering for friends and family will follow at the Freeland Hall.
