Marjorie "Marj" O. Cordain passed away Feb. 22, 2009 at her home at Eagle's Nest Assisted Living in Fort Collins, Colo. Marj was born Oct. 29, 1916 in Covington, Ky. to Clara (Feicker) and Loren McHuron. Loren was a hotel manager in nearby Cincinnati where Marj spent her childhood. In 1927, the family moved to Hollywood, Calif. to establish the McHuron's Grill Restaurant. Marj graduated from Hollywood High School in 1933 going on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in French language from UCLA in 1937. She was united in marriage to Richard Cordain Oct. 27, 1939 in Hollywood, Calif. The couple had three children, Abigail, Loren and Constance.
During World War II she was employed by Bell Telephone and did volunteer work for the U.S. overseas. In the 1950s, Marj was a well-known society columnist for the Pasadena Star News and the Altadenan newspapers where she penned her weekly "Northwest Corner" feature. Always fascinated by local and national society news, Marj thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to keep her readers informed and entertained.
Richard and Marj moved their family to Carson City in 1961, to begin a new chapter in their lives. Marj worked for Security National Bank while Richard was employed by the Dept of Transportation. Because of her fascination with history, Marj volunteered her time as a docent for the Nevada State Museum. Her beautiful wedding dress is now a part of the museum's occasional historical displays. In 1975, Richard retired and the couple moved to Kona, Hawaii to enjoy the warm, tropical climate of the islands. Here, Marj was employed by Liberty House in the accounting department, retiring at the age of 80. Feeling the need to be closer to family, Marj sold her home in Kona and moved to a retirement home in Sedona, Ariz. In 2001, Marj moved to Fort Collins, Colo. where she lived independently at Parkwood Estates for five years. While at Parkwood, she enjoyed writing the "Newcomers" article for the Parkwood News, was a member of the "Parkwood Spellers", and regularly participated in monthly book club discussions. Marj was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed biographies. In her spare time she enjoyed working crossword puzzles and keeping up with politics.
Marj was a special person who touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She made friends with people of all ages and backgrounds, always showing a genuine interest in their lives. Her quick wit, sense of humor, and lively personality quickly endeared her to those who knew her. Marj was quick to compliment and slow to criticize, making time spent with her refreshing and uplifting. She will be missed.
Marj is survived by her children, Abigail (Jim) Sliwinski of Eugene, Ore.; Loren (Lorrie) Cordain of Fort Collins, Colo.; Constance Cordain of Flagstaff, Ariz.; and seven grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Loren and Clara, husband Richard (1979) and her sister Dorothy (1985).
The family would like to express special thanks and appreciation to Scott and Carrie Ann Williams and the staff at Eagle's Nest Assisted Living for their loving care during Marj's final years.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations for the Harmony Library in Fort Collins, Colo. in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526.
Please visit www.allnutt.com to view Marjorie's online obituary, sign the family guest book and send condolences.