Marjorie H. McElwain

On March 15, 2018, Marjorie McElwain passed away peacefully in Missoula. Margie was a beautiful, smart, classy and strong woman. She was often quiet but had a wonderfully fun sense of humor. And she loved Montana, especially her Eastern Montana roots.

Marjorie Jean (Harrison) McElwain, 95, was born July 25, 1922 in Walla Walla, Washington to Maude and Howard Harrison. She was an only child but had her best friend, a Boston terrier named Peggy. Before she turned two, the family moved to Absarokee then to Billings. They later moved to Bridger where Marge attended elementary and high schools, graduating as valedictorian of her Bridger High School class. She graduated from the Montana State University in Missoula (now known as the University of Montana) in 1944 with a degree in business administration. While at the University, Margie was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, Spurs, Mortar Board and the Women’s M Club. She also filled different student body offices during her college years.

Her first teaching job was in Deer Lodge at Powell County High School where she taught business courses. Later, Marge moved to San Francisco where she worked during the war.

On Aug. 25, 1945, Marjorie Jean Harrison married Frank C. McElwain, just 10 days after the end of World War II, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. On this earth, their love story lasted for 63 years.

The couple came back to Montana so Frank could finish school in Bozeman and Missoula after serving in the Navy. Frank’s teaching and coaching career took them first to Big Timber then to Kalispell and finally back to Missoula. While in Kalispell, Margie was also a caregiver for her father who lived with the family.

During these years, Margie did at-home typing for several businesses. After her youngest child started school, she taught at Bonner Grade School for a few years. She started working part-time at the Athletic Business Office and Field House Ticket Office at the University of Montana. This part-time work quickly turned to full-time plus. She helped with bookkeeping, assigned tickets, waited on lots of Griz fans and assisted the student-athletes with their complimentary ticket distributions. These athletes lovingly called her Ms. Mac.

The title of which she was the happiest was that of Mom, raising her five children while encouraging them to follow their own paths. Margie spent countless hours sitting on lots of bleachers in lots of arenas and stadiums. She helped with her children’s activities by serving as a Boy Scout, Girl Scout, 4-H and Bluebird leader. She taught Sunday school at Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell and at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Missoula. And she often served as a room mother for her children’s classrooms.

Marge was a long-time member of PEO, first in Chapter C in Kalispell. She joined Chapter H when she moved to Missoula then Chapter AI in Polson. She was very proud that her three daughters and a daughter-in-law are PEO members. She also was an active member of the UM Delta Gamma alumni chapter.

Margie and Frank had a long and happy retirement spending as much time as possible at their home on King’s Point at Flathead Lake. They also wintered for 17 years in Cambria, California, where they became part of that community for about two months each year.

Her parents, her husband, Frank, and grandson, Mike McElwain, preceded her in death.

Marjorie is survived by children Dan McElwain of Spokane, Marsha Vick of Polson, Janie Haight of Missoula, Mary Ann Sullivan of Butte and Jim McElwain of Polson; sons- and daughters-in-law Jana McElwain, Bob Vick, Mike Haight, Dan Sullivan and Karen McElwain. Marge’s grandchildren are Scott, Tim and Tara McElwain; Lindsay Haight Robbins, Joey and Robbie Haight; Kelly Sullivan, Shannon Sullivan Panisko and Maureen Sullivan Anderson; Hanna McElwain Major, Lizzi and Jerret McElwain. She also has 16 great-grandchildren who know that this Grandma is so special and extra great that she is known as Grandma-Grandma.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 110 Sixth Ave. E. in Polson. Following the memorial, burial services will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.

Many thanks go to Partners Hospice for their wonderful care of Marjorie and support for her family. Donations in Marjorie McElwain’s name may be made to Partners In Home Care Hospice at 2687 Palmer Street, Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Margie liked the saying, “After 80, every birthday is a milestone.” She got to have 15 of those special milestones.

Marjorie is so very special to many. She will be missed.