Burbank High Blog: Marjorie Colvin, BHS '42 (1923-2017)

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Marjorie Colvin, BHS '42 (1923-2017)

Marjorie Colvin
7/8/1923 – 11/05/2017

Marjorie was born in Muncie, Indiana in 1923. She moved to California with her family at a young age. "Mickey", as she was called, attended Kindergarten through 12th grade in Burbank schools. She attended several Burbank elementary schools, Junior High at John Burroughs and Burbank High School. She remembered two teachers that stood out in her years at Burbank High. One was Esther Weinstock. In her class they put on a play, “The Jack Benny Radio Show” and Marjorie played the part of Mary Livingston. Then there was Mrs. Briggs, her gym teacher in Junior High and High School. Mrs. Briggs made her feel special by inviting her to a Mother-Daughter Banquet.

Marjorie met her husband George, at a dance in the Glendale Civic Auditorium. It was the big band era, and they loved to dance. They were proud parents of six children: Gloria, George, Nancy, David, Cyndi and Chuck. They also had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Marjorie was employed during the war years at Lockheed Aircraft from 11/27/42 to 2/22/44 as a Department Clerk. She left Lockheed to have her first child, Gloria Jean, born in August of that year.

Marjorie has been a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, Campfire Leader and active in the YMCA. There was always a lot of activity and young people at their home.

After their first child married, she went back to school at Glendale College for three years and then went to Valley College. She enjoyed classes in voice and speech. Her interests are in history, collector items and genealogy.

Marjorie had many accomplishments. In 1965 she was PTA president at Burbank High School, Emblem Club President in 1980-81, and twice president of the Burbank Historical Society. She was honored by then Mayor Mary Kelsey. She was one of the founding Board Members of the Burbank Historical Society. She was Chairwoman of the Opening Day Ceremonies for the Gordon R. Howard Museum in Burbank. She also gave historical tours at the museum. She was a charter member of SERVE, in the Civic Pride Committee and was a member of the Southern California Genealogical Society. She was also a member of the Fine Arts Federation, Friends of the Library and of the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum.

After her family was grown Marjorie went back to work at the Security Pacific Charge Card Center. She continued to be active in retirement. In December of 2010, she sold her home of 65 years, and moved to Laguna Woods to be close to her daughters. Marjorie was pre-deceased by her husband, George and youngest son, Chuck. She was 94.