Margie Ann Thurin

Margie Ann Thurin
Margie (Sebastiani) Thurin of Edina, Minnesota, passed away April 7, 2024, surrounded by her children. Throughout 90 amazing years, she touched many lives as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Born on February 8, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Margie was well-educated, fun-loving, and she valued building community. Her sense of leadership was influenced by her Catholic women's education at the Ursuline Academy in Brown County Ohio and Edgecliff College (BA '56). Margie also attended Xavier University (M.Ed.'67) and University of Minnesota (MSW '77).
She met David Paul Thurin of Canton, Ohio at Xavier University. They were married in 1958, and together raised five children, marched for peace, and worked for social justice. They moved multiple times in Ohio and ultimately to Minnesota in 1969.
Margie found joy in reading, golf, bridge, book club, adventure club, and crossword puzzles. Her laughter echoed through gatherings with friends, holiday celebrations, and in summer vacations at The Lodge. In 1973, Margie and David co-founded a community newspaper in the East Calhoun neighborhood which is still published today.
Her career began in the Edgecliff College alumni office, and continued at home for 20 years. After David's Parkinson's diagnosis, she became a Hennepin County social worker helping to resettle refugees, then serving as a supervisor in the county's inaugural services to seniors' program. Margie's tireless advocacy work in the Parkinson's community led to recognition in 2003 by the Struthers Parkinson's Center.
An active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for 55 years, Margie served in many roles, including Parish Council President. She was a founding member of the SJA CARE Committee that distributes emergency cash to neighbors in need. Margie had a vision for a modern Catholic church that was inclusive and responsive to the community.
Preceded in death by her husband, her parents, Joseph and Helen "Nell" (Burns) Sebastiani, and her brother Joseph Sebastian.
Margie is survived by her 5 children: Anne Hacker (Theodore); Christopher (Mary Moran); Sara Thurin Rollin (Steve); Gregory (Susan Hoese); Jane Collier (Kevin); 17 grandchildren: Nicholas (Carson Tobias), Peter, and Katherine Hacker; Paul (Brooke Struwe), Matthew, and Grace Thurin; Robert, William, and Charles Rollin; Jessica Geier (John), Joseph, Michael, Thomas, and Noelle Thurin; Sarah, Andrew, and Catherine Collier, and 2 great grandchildren, Peter Geier and another due in June!
She is survived by brother-in-law Louie Thurin of Minerva, Ohio, and sisters-in-law Mary Lou Chambliss of Ashburn, Va., Mary Elizabeth Freeman of Incline Village, Nev.
She also is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and important friends, including Maryellen Baumann whom Margie loved like a sister.
Visitation is Thursday, April 18, 4-7 pm at Washburn-McReavy, 5000 W. 50 St. & Highway 100, Edina, Minn.
Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, April 19, with visitation at 9 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m. and a reception to follow at St. Joan of Arc, 4537 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis.
To honor Margie's vibrant spirit guests are invited to wear a pop of pink. A private interment follows at Lakewood Cemetery.
Those wishing to honor Margie's life may support organizations she was passionate about, such as the St. Joan of Arc CARE Committee (saintjoanofarc.org) or Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). www.Washburn-McReavy.com
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996