Marjorie Diane Griffith

Marjorie Diane Griffith, “Margie”, passed away January 21, 2024, peacefully surrounded by family in Sequim, Washington. Even though Alzheimer's limited her abilities, she was always able to recognize our voices and know how much we loved her.

She was born on June 10, 1934, in Bellingham, WA, to Kenneth and Bernice Loomer of Ferndale. Always a farm girl at heart, she enjoyed 4-H activities, raising a cow, working in the family garden, canning food, and earning money by picking berries each summer. At 16 years, she proudly purchased her first car. Margie led the Ferndale High School band as the lead majorette and she proudly served as the Ferndale Assembly Rainbow Girls Worthy Adviser.

After graduating from Ferndale High School in 1952, she married Leo Everett Hawley of Lummi Island, and started a family of four. They divorced in 1962. In 1963, Margie met and married Earl Griffith. He immediately adopted her four children and became an instant father while serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

In 1968, the family moved to California when Earl was transferred to the Naval Air Station in Alameda, CA. In 1970, they welcomed their special-needs daughter, Sheri Ann. Earl retired in 1976 with 20 years of service and they returned to Washington, settling in the Seattle/Kenmore area where Sheri had access to specialized health care.

Margie dedicated her life to her youngest daughter’s care. She actively supported parents of disabled children by helping to create an agency called "Parents and Friends of the Deaf/Blind". This included frequenting the state capital and twice inviting legislators into her home to discuss the needs of respite for families of the disabled. One year she traveled to Washington D.C. to testify before a subcommittee of the issues. Margie was a big supporter of the organ donor program and felt very honored that Sheri, at her passing, was able to donate organs to seven recipients. Her family was very proud of her advocacy work.

Margie always looked for opportunities to give of herself and help others in need. At social events, she could often be found doing dishes in the kitchen. She readily shared her faith in God and was known for praying with others in their time of need. Margie volunteered at the Northshore Healing Rooms for over 10 years, ministering and praying with those in need. Margie was a long-time member of Central Lutheran Church in Bellingham and later, New Hope International Church in Bellevue, WA.

Margie was preceded in death by her daughter, Sheri; husband, Earl; sister, Janice Thibodeau; and brother, Kenneth Jr. “Bud” Loomer. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Anderson of Bellingham; and her children, Cindy (JT) Bennington of Gresham, OR, Blair Griffith of Blaine, WA, Lori (Paul) Wisheropp of Sacramento, CA, and Brad (Kelly) Griffith of Sequim, WA. Margie was a beloved grandmother to seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She will be laid to rest at Bayview Cemetery on Monday, July 29. A celebration of life will follow at 12:30pm at the Squalicum Boathouse (2600 N Harbor Loop Dr. in Bellingham). Please contact the family via email for information (emstari@yahoo.com).