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Marjorie Colvin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Marjorie Colvin
Sponsored by Marjorie's daughter.
Sherri & Marjorie Spence
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Paul & Marjorie Colvin
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Sherri & Marjorie Colvin
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Myloa Beilke & Marjorie Colvin
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Paul & Marjorie Colvin
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Paul, Marjorie & Laurent Colvin
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Myloa, Oscar & Marjorie Beilke
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Paul & Marjorie Colvin
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Myloa & Marjorie Beilke with friends, early 1050's
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Marjorie & Paul Colvin with Ruth Harer
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Marjorie Kay Beilke
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Marjorie, Jamie, Sherri Spence
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
Wedding Day 1963 (I think)
Sherri Elinson
August 25, 2017
June 26, 2013
forgot the cell is 480 709 4440
June 26, 2013
Dear Sherry
I am doing a beilke history
could you email me or call
Dorothy Beilke sis to Oscar is my fiances grandma
[email protected] T Mcintyre
Sherri Elinson
January 4, 2011
Hi Mom, I've been thinking about you a lot this past Holiday season. Doug & I finaly bought a house, I know you would love the yard! And, we had Christmas dinner for eight there. laurent said you'd have been proud of me; I actually got everything on the table hot and on time! And guess what? Laurent made the pies, he's become a damn good baker.
Anyway, I want to tell a story about you that I just told some friends of mine...
You made me a quilt a long time ago. It took you over a year and I thought you were making it for yourself. Then one Christmas (I think I was 16 years old), you surprised me with it. I was thrilled! It had material from matching Easter dresses you had made Val and I when we were little. And, it had material from the first dress I ever sewed for myself, and from a Halloween costume that you made for Laurent. It was a beautiful starburst pattern, and every stitch was sewn by hand. LOVELY! I treasured it and I used it as my bedspread for over 15 years. By then it was just tattered and torn and stained and not repairable. Then one day I was sick as a dog, and I threw up all over it! I was too sick to think what else to do so I just threw it away. I was heartbroken to do so.
That was the nicest gift I'd ever been given at that time. But mom, you gave me an even more precious gift when I told you I had thrown it out. Rather than be mad you just said, "Oh honey, it was so worn out and ugly. I'm glad you got rid of it so you can get yourself something prettier." It was such a loving thing to say and I was so relieved that you weren't mad at me!
Thanks Mom, and Happy New Year.
Jonathan Carr
November 17, 2010
Marjorie:
I came online to try to find contact information for you so that I could thank you for helping me when no one else would. Now, as I see it, I am a few years too late.
I was the one who was given an incorrect prescription medication by a doctor, and you and the Haight-Ashbury Clinic were the only ones in the SF Bay Area who were willing to take me on as a patient and safely - get me completely off of the medication.
I will never forget you Marjorie and from this Guest Book, I see that you have touched so many other hearts all over the world in people who will never forget you either.
Thank you, and sweet dreams, Marjorie.
Jan Schneider
August 25, 2008
It was the geatest gift and pleasure working with Marjorie at the Haight-Ashbury Detox Clinic in 1997/98. I came to San Francisco as a young student for a training internship and she immediately "adopted" me (as Marjorie termed it) to co-facilitate her therapy groups.
She was one-of-a-kind in instructing, supervising and supporting me and I will never forget her wisdom, humor, warmth and genuine kindness.
Sherri Elinson
March 11, 2008
It is now almost two years since you left us, and three months since the passing of your sister, Myloa May Beilke. The last of the Beilke women have left this world and I miss you both more than ever.
Mom, I know you never wanted to return to Texas but I scattered some of your ashes at Myloa's grave. I know Myloa would have liked that and I hope you don't mind.
Doug Elinson
March 31, 2007
We love you and miss you. We'll be thinking of you when we are in Stow-on-the Wold
Sherri Elinson
March 29, 2007
Mom, It's been a year now since we lost you. I miss you so much. There are so many things I want to share with you. My plans for an upcoming trip to some of your favorite places in England, the news that the Haight Clinic is going to name their new library in your honor, the new sweater I bought, the new ways to tie one of the many scarves that you left behind and that I am now using. How I wish I could go shopping with you and stop at the Nordstrom's cafe for lunch and share all the news with you!
Much love,
Sherri
Andres Marti
July 16, 2006
Dear Marjorie,
Thank you for your support, guidance, insight, and humor. You've helped me as you've helped so many others. I wish I had stopped by during the last few months just to say hello. I miss you.
Andres
Sherri Elinson
July 11, 2006
Hi Mom,I've been thinking about you all day long. I wish you were here so I could wish you a happy birthday.
All my love,
Sherri
Greg Hayner
May 8, 2006
One last goodbye. You were one in a million. You will be sorely missed by all who knew you, worked with you, and became your patients over the years. I only hope that when my time comes, I have as many people who will remember me fondly, and feel that I have contributed to their lives.
Until we meet again.
Wendy Zizzo
May 2, 2006
I had the pleasure of working with Marjorie at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic Detox from 1992 to 1998. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing. She was an incredibly compassionate, caring person. I worked closely with many of her clients, and it was obvious how much they loved her and how much she helped them. I hope her family knows how many lives she touched, changed, saved. And whenever I think of London, I'll think of her!
Dorothy-Marilyn Carver
May 1, 2006
My favorite Marjorie story occurred when I was giving a sexual harassment training at Detox (where she worked at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics for 28 years). Marjorie made the training when she shared her experience of sexual harassment—when another woman accused her of sexual harassment. I didn’t know her as long as many, but I enjoyed our serious and fun times together; I know she’ll never leave me, but I miss her.
John Durand
May 1, 2006
Marjorie was so good to me. During my darkest hour, she always greeted me with a great smile and a big hug. Among her sagest of advice to me was to plant some primroses and learn to admire them, which I did. I’m still learning to watch the flowers grow and practicing happiness and serenity. Thanks Marjorie,
Much love,
roger "X"
May 1, 2006
Marge how lucky we are to have had you in our lives. I will always remember you
Bonnie Weinstein
May 1, 2006
I have fond memories of Marjorie teaching me how to crochet
“granny squares” to make a blanket. She was welcoming to me
when I came to San Francisco in 1966. I was pregnant
and had just moved to New York. Many were critical in the movement
of women who had babies instead of dedicating themselves entirely
to the movement. Marjorie made me feel confident of my decision
to have a child and be a revolutionary.
She will be missed.
Ray DiFazio
May 1, 2006
Marjorie, you are our hero!
Ray DiFazio
Mike Chiarrotino
Bob Hendershott
Lyle Ellis
”The Hardheads!”
Ralph Forsyth
May 1, 2006
Comrade for many years too
Ruth Harer
May 1, 2006
Old friend and comrade
Stanley "X"
May 1, 2006
I would just like to say … from you favorite client from the Haight, Stanley, I love you and will always have you in my heart. Although you are gone, you will always be here in me. – Stanley.
Dino Bagatelas
April 28, 2006
I was very saddened when Paul phoned me a few backs back and told me of Marjorie's passing. She was one of the most amazing persons I have ever known and I am very blessed to have had Marjorie in my life. I came to her at a very low point in my life and would have never been able to have picked myself back up without her help and her support. Though our relationship was a professional one Marjorie was also my friend, and I loved swapping stories with her of our travel eperiences and good books that we'd read.
As I continue on my life's path and encounter challenges similar to those that Marjorie had helped me to overcome, I'm sure that I'll be thinking - what would Marjorie have to say about this?
I miss her.
Carol Jauch
April 19, 2006
Marge, I will never forget you and the support and friendship you gave me when I first came to San Francisco in 1982, newly widowed, and we were students together in the Master's Degree Program at San Francisco State in Anthropology. You shared your home, your family, and your large circle of friends with me. You babysat my two-year old son, listened to my troubles, played matchmaker and nurse, all with great patience, humor and wisdom. You not only saved my life, you enriched it. What a victorious and value-filled life you led! You have accumulated enormous beneficial karma for yourself and your family in this and future existences!
Trish Schmeltz
April 18, 2006
Wow, what can I say? I met Marjorie at the Pall Mall on Haight Street when she came in for a burger. I was so out of it in those days. I am not sure I wanted to be clean, but I didn't want to hurt anymore. So reluctantly, I went to the HAFMC for treatment. Marjorie became my counselor and in those days, there was more individual counseling. I think groups met maybe twice or three times a week. I went to see her periodically for six years, from 1984 until 1990, when I finally got clean. I remeber her telling me that she couldn't really do therapy with me if I kept showing up high! It was part of her threatening me with Walden House that made me stop. (God forbid I give up two years of my life-like I even had a life!) She, and others at the clinic such as Greg and Andie, never stopped believing in me. It made all the difference in the world.
One of the greatest things she told me about recovery was "There is no need to dig for the issues, they will come up when they are supposed to". I continued to see Marjorie at the clinic for I guess about 5 years, but because the money was tight, I couldn't see her for more than a few minutes before she had to give her time to another. I got frustrated and asked her, if she was willing, the clinic would let her see me privately. She got permission and from then on I started to see her in her private practice. That was a blessing. I got so much help from her. I saw Marjorie for 14 years in total and I can't begin to say how much I was helped by her. Today I have 15 years, Six Months, 2 weeks, and 5 days clean-Not like I am counting though...
Marjorie and I shared a love of travel. Her favorites were the British Isles where she loved the gardens and castles and just plain old history. I was always happy for her when she had planned her next trip, knowing she was going to be doing what she loved.
I loved her as one can only love someone who knows your deepest darkest secrets, and believes in you anyway. I will miss her, but mostly I am so very grateful she touched my life with her love, her healing, and her joy.
Trish Schliessmann/San Felipe/Schmeltz
Leigh Davidson
April 17, 2006
I interviewed Marjorie in the fall of 1990 for the Haight Clinics' newsletter. She shared that she saw "age as an advantage, not an obstacle." How fortunate for her clients at the Clinic that they had the benefit of her experience.
cheryl marshall
April 17, 2006
Marjorie gave me hope, love and support...I will miss her very much-but will smile whenever I hear Willie Nelson. I wouldn't be where I am today without her.
Terri Gates
April 17, 2006
You were, are and always will be THE QUEEN. Will think about you and carry you with me always.
Lynne Arceneaux
April 17, 2006
Marjorie will be in our thoughts, prayers and fond memories. Best wishes,
Michelle Aldrich
April 17, 2006
We will all miss Marjorie the wonderful person, mentor, compassionate advocate and counselor. I remember meeting her at Rock Med. Marjorie will be remembered!
Love, peace and health,
Andie Rice
April 17, 2006
I worked with Marjorie at The Haight Ashbury Clinic from 197? to 1988 & loosely stayed in touch after that. I remember the "big" Marjorie and was 1 of those who helped support her through those times. She was one of the BEST people & counselors that I have had the priviledge to know in my life & I will miss her.
Greg Hayner
April 17, 2006
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Marjorie for the last 26 years at Haight Ashbury, and as David Smith and friends are fond of saying, "What a long, strange trip it has been!!"
Marjorie was one of the people who always seemed to epitomize the true spirit and mission of the Clinic, and worked tirelessly to futher that mission. She was also not shy about letting administration know when she thought they had streyed from that path- she never minced her words.
I have so many personal memories of Marjorie, and she is one person whose influence and friendship will effect me for the rest of my life. I hope that her family takes comfort in knowing that she had a positive effect of many, many people, and was instrumental in saving many lives.
Marsha Andrews
April 16, 2006
My thoughts and my heart are with Paul. If only there was something that could soften the blow.
With love,
Marsha
Valerie Reza
April 14, 2006
For those who are interested: the following is a summery of our last day with Marge and some personal memories...
As you know Marge (my step Mom) died March 29th. For those who don't know, she had been ill and on dialysis for 2 years and just got worn out.
On Tuesday evening (March 28) Paul (who at one time was my step-dad and just remained in my life) called me to let me know that Marge had taken a turn for the worse and told me I needed to be at hospital the next day for a general meeting with her doctors. At 10 AM on Wednesday, Paul, Sherri and I stood around Marge with her Doctor. She looked the Doctor right in the eye and said: "Can you take me out of this world tonight?" He looked at each of us--rather tentatively--and said that he could take her off life support but that he couldn't tell her when she'd pass. If it was just the dialysis it could take a week or two, but Marge also had a couple of different infections going on in her lungs and pleura, respectively during the last couple of weeks. In addition, for some unknown reason Marge had VERY low blood pressure and she was also in a lot of back pain, which no one could figure out. With each of these pronouncements the doctor would shrug and say that it was a medical mystery--or something to that effect. He also indicated that taking Marge off the heart medication would cause her heart to slow and then stop and that would be what would cause her to pass--not the lack of dialysis. He suspected that she would go fast when the heart medication was stopped. During this review of medical issues Marge kept saying she was done and wanted "out of this world." Marge wanted to be comfortable for however long it took for her to die--she made this as clear as her other statements.
After some conversation and questions to assure ourselves that she was lucid we all agreed to support her decision except that we asked her to wait until her sister, Myloa, got in from Texas--(whose flight landed about 4 PM that same day.) Between about 11 AM and 6 PM that same day we took turns staying with her, sometimes Marge slept, sometimes she talked and sometimes we talked about traveling and good memories around her and we played tapes of her favorite music. During that same time period the nurses were great. Every time they came to the door they came with morphine in hand and asked if Marge needed any to keep her REALLY comfortable. At about 5 PM the dialysis machine had a clog so we just disconnected it but left the heart medication going.
As it came close to 6 PM the nurses stopped the morphine so Marge would be lucid when Myloa came in. When Myloa came in we were all there including Laurent (Paul & Marge's son). Marge asked us all to stand around the bed, told us that she loved us all, told me (and I'm sure everyone else personally and in private) to take care of Paul. She needed lots of rest between each small conversation and we took turns leaving the room. After Myloa had been in the room for some time, the nurse asked if it was time to stop the heart medication. We needed a bit of a family conference and then agreed. At about 7 or 8 PM the nurse stopped the heart medication. At 9 PM they moved us to a large quite family room. We got settled and one of our group (Doug-Sherri's husband) went for Chinese food. We were just sitting down to eat around Marge and talk about traveling (which she loved) when she just stopped breathing--it was about 10 PM.
Eventually we all said our goodbyes and met back up at the house. It was a draining day but I would not have had it any other way in my knowing of Marge, who she was as a woman and a fighter.
There aren't many tears for me with this death but there is a deep and abiding thankfulness that Marge was in my life. She added fascinating wonderful glamorous dimensions to my quiet ordinary little girl’s life. It was Marge who made, from Thanksgiving through Christmas such a glorious shinning much anticipated, special event every year for us kids. It was Marge who gave me my Barbie doll and Barbie Dream House. It was Marge who gave me my first sewing kit and taught me to sew. I remember matching empire light green dresses she made for Sherri and I, and a gold lame junior prom dress—I felt so elegant in it. And of course buying, sharing and talking about jewelry…I come by that “addition” honestly via Marge.
There are the outrageous Marge stories as well...her red leather outfit she would wear during antiwar rallies in San Francisco. Her cursing in the kitchen as she was in there preparing some sumptuous meal, followed by lots of laughter. The wild woman let loose at her 40th birthday party—dancing on a table…I’m sure you have your own Marge story.
And, it was Marge who stayed up late into the night with me calming my fears and anxieties with a hot cup of tea and her conversation. She gave me her heart and comfort when my heart was broken or my spirit crushed. Whenever I needed a bed or place to stay it was to Paul & Marge's home that I went. I knew there would always be a bed and food for me there. More importantly I knew that Marge would give me the warmth and love I needed to whether whatever drama or trauma I was experiencing in the moment.
Marge was true to all her emotions—embracing all of who she was. She was passionate about life, feeling fully and completely all her experiences both intellectually and emotionally. Her ability to love deeply and unconditionally could be matched by flashes of anger and resentment BUT she never stopped “working” on herself or us—to be the fullest human beings we could be. She was and is a model of integrity for me.
As I grew up and got my feet more firmly planted beneath me, Marge became a friend and colleague. I’m sure it’s in part because of her that I am a somewhat wild, fairly well dressed and accessorized, sometimes bawdy, often humorous and sacrilegious, thinker, reader, therapist, professor, mother, woman who loves to wear purple…and any other bright colors and baubles I can get my hands on!
I am thankful for her presence in my life.
Sherri Elinson
April 12, 2006
My mother lived her life in service to others. She was a counselor who often worked with the most disenfranchised people in our society. For many years she was a geriatrics counselor and later she was a job counselor for ex-convicts. The last 28 years of her life she worked both at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic and in private practice, counseling those with substance and sexual addictions as well as some marriage and family counseling. She helped all who had need, including the elderly, ex-criminals, addicts and prostitutes, and treated them all with respect and love. She taught me through her actions, what tolerance really means.
My mother was also my best friend. I miss you mom.
Jamie Spence
April 11, 2006
Goodbye old friend.
Lisa Mikulchik
April 9, 2006
Dear Marjorie,
You were my therapist at the HAFMC for about seven years - I think after all that time it's safe to say that transference/countertransference took place. You walked me through from "sick" to "somewhat neurotic" and I would not have made it without you. I have been clean and sober now for almost 19 years and you were with me from the very first months and you are with me now. I can't say I believe in heaven, but you are alive in more recovering people than you could possibly remember. Your children have countless siblings.
I love you, Mom.
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