Marjorie Ruth Zolner

I am deeply saddened to know of Marjorie's passing. Seeing all the pictures -- her warm smile, the twinkle in her eye -- makes me miss her more. I can hear her warm voice, her laugh. She was one classy lady. I met Marjorie around 13-14 years ago, when she attended Evangelical Baptist Church in Laconia, NH. We clicked and got together often. I'll never forget when Jack and I had dinner with them in that beautiful Gilford home up on the hilltop with that great view of Lake Winnipesaukee. She helped me pick out my kitchen wallpaper; she thought of the name "Gracie" for my new kitten! She was at my house when we got the news that my father-in-law had just died, and though she was going through the rough divorce then, she was such a comfort to me. I missed her alot when she moved to Florida. I got to visit her one time (in that cute little house she had for awhile) when I was in Sarasota visiting my Dad in Longboat Key. My mother had just passed away, and I went shopping with Marjorie to my mom's favorite little French kitchen shop in St. Armand's square. I saw a beautiful tablecloth I wanted, but it was so expensive. Marjorie talked me into buying it in honor of my mom! And I'm so glad I did -- I use it all the time, and think of both of them. We have talked and texted periodically over the last few years -- she would always leave me smiling and feeling lifted up. She would tell me what her kids were doing, and the good care Mark and Kendra were taking of her. She was so thankful for that. I knew she was struggling with many illnesses, but did not know how bad it was. Nevertheless, whenever we would talk, she was constantly praising the Lord and saying how thankful she was. She talked openly about the real stuff too, and didn't pretend things were perfect, but there was always that unshakable faith in her loving heavenly Father. She was such a testimony and inspiration to me. When I think of Marjorie, I think of Colossians: "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.... and whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (3:12, 17). She was clothed in kindness and gentleness and thankfulness, and touched my life deeply through that. How we will miss you, dear friend. But it makes me happy to know you are healed and whole and in HIS PRESENCE now. Mark and Kendra, and all the family, I send my deepest condolences and prayers for God's deep peace to envelop you when those waves of grief wash over you. She loved you so much and was so proud of you. "Grief has taught me to cling to nothing -- except my hope in God. To reject nothing, but to learn from everything. Through death we all will eventually lose the presence of those we love. We will lose the expression of that love in tangible form. Be we won't lose love." -- Paula D'Arcy Love and prayers, Mary (and Jack) Collins