Marjorie Elene (Wood) Lister
Marjorie Elene (Wood) Lister, born September 27, 1930 in McLean, Texas to Fred Wood and Ruth Jane Anders, she passed peacefully away on September 17, 2023 in Peoria,AZ.
Preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, J. C. (Jake) Lister and two sisters Frances Allen and Jane Exum.
Married in 1945 at the tender age of 15, she became a mother at age 17, and again at 19, 20 and 23 years old. Her children and grandchildren were her life.
'Marge' made being the perfect mom look easy as she adapted to life in more than a few mining towns, where Jake made a living for the family. She took great pleasure in cooking, baking, and gardening for her brood no matter the venue, be it New Mexico high desert or the Rocky Mountains. From fried chicken to oatmeal cookies, we could taste love in every bite.
Her warmth, kindness and expansive sense of humor kindled the family's hearth. Her deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around her was ever present, frequently expressed when traveling, camping, or fishing. Beneath this warm veneer dwelt a fierce protector of family, friends, and home. She delighted in filling the bellies of her children's friends with hamburgers, tacos, steak and their souls with comfort, humor. Hers was an empathetic and kind soul that found mothering children other than her own as natural as breathing.
She was the product of America's Great Depression, and a World War, a true member of what has come to be known as America's 'Greatest Generation'. Her values of love, humor, personal responsibility, faith, and hope were her legacy. It may be true that from 'tough times come tough people', Marge demonstrated, through deed and word, that tough people can possess immense hearts. All of her children have tried their mightiest to adhere to Marge's values.
Marge is survived by her four children: Suzanne “Evie” Mazzacua (Frank), Jimmy (Nancy West), Joel (Jeannette Peña) and Michael (Bertha Chavez); and by her brother: Kenneth Wood. Also survived by seven grandchildren: Laurie, Lance, Chris, Lindsey, Kelsey, Shannon, Kelly; and nine great-grandchildren: Jaycee, Tyler, Marc, Hannah, Isaiah, Kennedy, Colton, Jane and Jonathan.
She'll be missed, but will continue to be the melodic humming we hear in the kitchen, the tender touch on a bruised arm, or the kiss on the forehead with the soothing words, 'it's going to be okay'. ‘Til we see you again, Mom, thanks for the beautiful, everlasting memories.