Marguerite Mary Delorie

Delorie, Marguerite M.

(Sept 16, 1926 – July 14, 2022)

Marguerite Mary Delorie (who often went by Marge Delorie) of Seattle, WA passed away peacefully in her sleep at the home of her twin sister in Omaha NE.  She was 95 years old. 

Born in Murdo South Dakota, Marguerite’s father tragically passed away before she was born.  Matilda, Marguerite’s mother, gave birth to identical twins without knowing she was carrying twins.  Marguerite was delivered by a midwife, who exclaimed, “Oh my Lord Tilly, here comes another one!”  The girls were named Marguerite and Marjorie. 

The twins lived with their mother and her extended family in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  At the age of 5, Matilda sent both girls to a Catholic boarding school for a strong religious and academic education.  The family had little money thus, the girls had to work to pay their room and board.  Both girls developed an incredible work ethic, (in fact Marguerite continued to work until she was 84).  But Marguerite was not above a little mischief.  The twins were often known to switch places and attend each other’s classes to fool the nuns.  In Marguerite’s Sophomore year she led a night time sneak out.  After successfully “sneaking out” they didn’t know what to do so they tried to sneak back in.  That’s when they got caught.  Marguerite claimed the “fire and brimstone speech” she received for that infraction still rings in her ears. 

However, in spite of their mischief both girls graduated with college scholarships in 1944.  Marjorie remained in South Dakota while Marguerite moved out west with her mother and attended Seattle University.   At Seattle University she met John Delorie, the love of her life.  Marguerite stayed by his side while he continued his education through dental school, and they married in 1950.  Marguerite and John had four children and settled in South Seattle where they enjoyed horse racing and playing cards with friends.  Sadly, John Delorie preceded her in death by exactly 26 years. 

After John’s passing Marguerite lived with her children.  Family was always the most important thing to Marguerite and she let her children know, not only by telling them, but also by the unconditional love she gave them.  Her eldest son, Louis Delorie, followed his father in dentistry and Marguerite took pride in their special bond.  Her son John Delorie, had a free spirit that she vicariously lived through.  Her daughter Mary Guballa helped care for her and continued to keep her engaged in various activities over the years.  And the last 16 years of her life she lived with her youngest son David Delorie.  David embodied Marguerite’s patience, kindness and wit and the entire family is grateful to him for all that he did.  Marguerite’s family is shocked and saddened by her sudden departure, because they all appreciated and loved her the same way she appreciated and loved them. 

Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband John Delorie, a Beacon Hill dentist and her sister Bernadette Borchers.  She is survived by her sisters:  Marjorie Stohler and Karen Borchers along with her sister in-law Rose McKelvey (Gerald); her children:  Louis Delorie, John DeLorie, Mary Guballa (Vincent), and David Delorie; her grandchildren:  Nicole Highland (Taylor), Marjorie Delorie (Alex Rivet), Rose Delorie, John Guballa (Bobbi), Christopher Guballa, and Forrest Delorie; and great-grandchildren:  Nina, Sophia, Leo, Vincent, and Zara as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Marguerite’s family are convinced that in this difficult time she would not lose her wit and if she could be heard she would tell them, “I had a good run at it!” 

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 29th at 10:30 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church 2807 15th Ave. S with a reception immediately following in the church basement. 

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:  Cure Alzheimer’s Fund