Margaret Ann Durfey

Obituary Marge passed away peacefully in her home after a long illness. She was surrounded by loving family members. She was well known for her generous spirit, her sense of adventure, her creativity, and her quick wit, which she exhibited even in her illness. An adventurous soul, Marge was a member of the Gold Wing Touring Association (GWTA), and was the first woman to ride with the NW Wings Motorcycle Drill Team. She and her husband, John, criss-crossed the USA many times on their Gold Wings in the 16 years that they rode together. Marge was a true artisan. She loved anything to do with crafting. She created a unique quilt for each of her five siblings, and her Christmas quilt won First Place at the Puyallup Fair. She loved making dolls, two of which also won ribbons at the Fair. Over the years, she was involved in stamping (often creating her own greeting cards), scrapbooking (we all have a special one or two of her wonderful scrapbooks), and designing and creating beaded jewelry. However she chose to use her creativity, she managed to become expert in that field. Marge and John loved to travel and camp and did so often; first, pulling trailers behind the Gold Wings, then with a Pop-Up Trailer, and eventually in a Motor Home named "Howard". They had friends and relatives all over the country, and made the rounds in the last years before her illness slowed her down. She served as a lector at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Black Diamond, and then at St. Leo's Parish in Tacoma. She graduated from St. Leo High School in 1966, and came back to the parish when she returned to Tacoma in 1999. Marge is survived by John, her husband of 21 years, her daughter, Cathy Carl and two granddaughters Chelsea and Holly of Littleton, CO, her sisters Marian Gerard and Esther Hill, sisters in law Nancy and LaVonne, two aunts, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marge was also a "mom & grandma" to Kristin and her three children. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Robert and Thomas, her sister Carol, and her stepson Michael. We wish to thank the Franciscan Hospice Team for their compassionate care of Marge and her family members. A celebration of Marge's life will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at 2:00 pm at St. Leo's Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franciscan Hospice, the Family Renewal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.