Marjorie C. Gamage, 88, of New Harbor, passed away peacefully at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility in Damariscotta on the evening of Jan. 23 surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. Born in Everett, Mass. on April 16, 1924, she was the daughter of Herbert and Ruth (Hames) Corliss. She grew up in Chelsea, Mass., attended schools there and graduated from Burdett College.
Marjorie worked in Boston as an executive secretary, and she married Robert Hope, an electrical engineer, in 1945. They started a family and moved to Bristol in 1953 to start a poultry farm. When “Bob” became terminally ill in 1959, Marj became an Avon sales representative, a successful career which she carried on for the rest of her life.
In 1963, she married Howard J. (“Punk”) Gamage and moved to New Harbor. Howard worked on a private yacht for many years, and she enjoyed visiting him in the Bahamas when his yacht traveled there.
Marjorie was very active in the New Harbor Methodist Church, always singing in choirs, and “Occasional Chorale.” She sang, and performed, in the Bristol Footlighters shows since their beginning in the 1950s. Marjorie directed several youth choirs, and many of her former young singers remember their choir trip to Quebec. When Marj was growing up, she and her sister Ellie performed often, singing in church and other places.
She was also a member of OES Eastern Star, The Ladies Auxiliary VFW, and her beloved “Early Birds” worship group.
Marjorie had a zest for life and had many interests. She was a fan of the Boston Red Sox ever since childhood, when she often attended games at Fenway for 25 cents on Ladies’ Day, where she saw Ted Williams play several times. She and “Punk” enjoyed winters in Florida for the past 30 years at various locations. She had many outings there with other “Red Hat ladies,” as well as many beach days.
Marjorie was an avid swimmer, whether in Maine or Florida. She loved almost all kinds of music, dancing, and playing cards. She wore bright clothes and always had a friendly smile. People were always welcome in her home to visit and talk; and there was always “room for one more” at her table. She was very thoughtful, and was always sending special notes and cards to acquaintances.
Marjorie is survived by her husband, Howard J. Gamage; sister, Eleanor Scott; daughters, Carolyn H. (“Lyn”) Prentice and husband Dale, and Janet H. Verney and husband Jeff; son, Steven R. Hope; beloved grandchildren, Hope Prentice, Miranda Hope, Kristina and Johanna Verney; as well as her beloved great-grandson, William Robert Brown.
Service to celebrate Marjorie’s life 11 a.m., Sat., Feb. 2 at the Congregational Church of Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor 04554.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
