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Marjorie Mollenauer Obituary
Marjorie Lynn Mollenauer, 84, of Colts Neck, N.J., passed away on Dec. 7, 2020, in Silver Spring, Md., after a recent illness.
Marjorie was born on Jan. 28, 1936, to Helen and Clyde Trammel of Taft, Calif., and raised in nearby Bakersfield. A prodigious student of piano since early childhood, she began playing the harp in her teens and spent summers playing harp for the nightly Firefall shows at Yosemite National Park. She studied in Los Angeles with Nannette B. Black; in Paris, France, with Henriette Renie; and in New York City with renowned harpist Mildred Dilling. She received a B.A. in music from Stanford University in 1957 and an M.A. in music-also from Stanford-in 1959.
Marjorie performed extensively in orchestras as a member and soloist and in radio, television, and theater in the United States and around the world. Among her concert performances, in 1976 she performed Debussy's "Dance Sacre et Profane"-one of the most difficult pieces ever written for the harp-at Carnegie Hall with the New Jersey Chamber Orchestra. She enjoyed a long and full career as a harpist and a teacher of both harp and piano, maintaining a busy schedule of teaching and performing until recent months.
In addition to her music career and spending time with her family, Marjorie was a gourmet cook and an avid reader with a passion for art and history. She loved to travel throughout the United States and abroad, but perhaps her favorite destination was the family cabin on Lake Tahoe that her father built in the 1950s, where she enjoyed carefree summers in her youth and many happy family gatherings over the years.
Marjorie was a beautiful, generous, and caring person who touched many lives. She will be greatly missed and always remembered by her loving family, many friends, and grateful students.
Marjorie is survived by her husband of 58 years Linn F. Mollenauer, of Colts Neck, N.J.; sons David Mollenauer (Stephanie) of San Antonio, Texas, and James Mollenauer (Christine) of Kensington, Md.; grandchildren Andrew, Caroline, and William Mollenauer, all of Kensington, Md.; and sister Ann Trammel Porkolab (Miklos), of Winchester, Mass., and Menlo Park, Calif.
Donations in Marjorie's memory may be sent to any of the following organizations:
Yosemite Conservancy
http://yosemite.org
Shriners Hospitals for Children
https://loveshriners.org
SOLI Chamber Ensemble
www.solichamberensemble.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marjorie Mollenauer
Mary Hammarin
January 12, 2023
I thought of Marjorie today while listening to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. I wanted to tell her that she instilled a love of music in me....I "studied" piano with her when I was a child. Not the best student, but she was kind, gentle, and non-judgmental and thus I always loved and appreciated music. When I had children, I encouraged them to participate in music, and they did. My son Frank is a french horn player with the Iceland Symphony, soon to move to the Stockholm Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Thank you, Marjorie - I wish I had told you sooner. With love and thanks.
Debbie
December 9, 2022
I think of Marjorie often and miss her. She was an inspiration who has made a permanent stamp on me as both a musician and teacher.
Joyce (Hulsebus) Young
December 9, 2022
I was so glad to renew my friendship with Marjorie at our Bakersfield High School's 65th anniversary. We started a correspondence then and enjoyed sharing memories. I think about her often and miss her. With love, Joyce (Hulsebus) Young.
Louise
December 9, 2022
When I play the harp, I still feel like she is sitting beside me. I still hear her voice reminding me "circle your thumb", "Elbows up", "watch the temp". A great teacher and the sweetest person I ever met. I still miss her.
Jean Sudds Park
April 16, 2021
So sorry to hear of Marjorie’s passing.
It was a delight to see her and visit with her at our last class reunion.
I can still see her with her long blond hair playing the harp at high school gatherings.
My love to her family,
Jean Sudds Park
Joyce Young
April 14, 2021
Margie and I were childhood friends involved in Camp Fire Girls,and MYF at the First Methodist church in Bakersfield. I admired Margie's musical talent and sometimes hung out with her to listen to her practicing in the Bakersfield high school music practice rooms. We recently took up our friendship when attenting the 65th high school reunion in 2018 and exchanged many letters. It was a pleasure for me to become reacquainted and find she was still such a wonderful, warm, lovely friend. I am so sorry she is gone, but never forgotten. Love, from Joyce (Hulsebus) Young.
Alan Wasserman
January 29, 2021
I always loved being with Marjorie at events from the Cecilian Music Club. She was a wonderful inspiration to her fellow teachers as well as to her lovely students! I will miss her warm smile and kind thoughtful words. RIP
Nancy Wilde
January 9, 2021
I feel so blessed to have been close friends with Margie since our Stanford days together. She was deeply loved by everyone who knew her for her sweet, kind and loving nature. She was greatly admired as a fine harp musician, and looked like an angel when she played. Now, I envision her playing her harp in heaven as one of God’s angels.
Nancy Wilde
Friend
Mardee Reed-Ulmer
January 8, 2021
Marjorie and I collaborated on many a musical mission, my favorites being in recital. Some were flute and harp and on some we collaborated with pianist Herbert Burtis. Marjorie, ever gracious, accepted me into the music scene in Monmouth County, New Jersey in the 1970's. We enjoyed the rehearsal process in her beautiful home where she introduced me to Nielson's "A Fog is Lifting." I will aways think of her in association particularly with that lovely piece. She was beautiful inside and out. I'm not surprised to see those pictures where she projects "the girl next door" look with "movie star" beauty. Marjorie was not only a supurb musician, but perhaps more importantly a generous and gracious collaborator who rendered ensemble playing the delightful and satisfying experience it is supposed to be. I can only imagine the number of audience members whose lives were uplifted by her gift. She will indeed be missed.
Karin Gargone
December 29, 2020
How grateful I am to have known Marjorie. She embodied what it is to be a kind person and a complete musician. Her harp music was such a beloved part of the community. In my inner ear I can still hear her playing "La Source" and when I shut my eyes I can still see her smile.
Karen Stern
December 28, 2020
Marjorie, You are a bright light in heaven! I can't think of you without smiling. We spoke occasionally, over many years, and I always felt your great warmth. What a beautiful person, kind soul, and of course, fabulous musician!
Sending love to you and your family,
Karen Stern
fellow harpist and proud to also say friend
Jenny Lin
December 27, 2020
In loving memory of my wonderful harp teacher and my role model. I will love you and miss you always.
Betsy Wilson
December 26, 2020
Margie and Linn were the perfect couple.
Debbie Tarby
December 24, 2020
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to study the harp with Margie for the past two years. Our one hour lessons often lasted up to 2 1/2 hours. She was a gifted musician and teacher who gifted me with a new passion that has given me and will continue to give me a lifetime of joy and comfort. She was not only a wonderful teacher but also became a wonderful friend. I will miss her greatly. My deepest condolences to her family.
Louise Jasko
December 24, 2020
Marjorie was one of the sweetest people I have had the privilege of knowing. She was a patient but thorough teacher. I picture her now playing her golden harp in heaven.
Virginia hooper
December 19, 2020
Marjorie was a kind gentle caring person! We were blessed to know her- hear her play- and come into her home for lessons for a grandchild!
Lisa Jones
December 17, 2020
Mrs. Mollenauer taught my daughter the piano for at least 10 years. She was one of a kind. So passionate in her teaching and her piano and harp playing. We looked so forward every year to her recitals. She would set up the living room with chairs and each child would play a piece that they learned. She baked amazing cookies and made punch. It was so lovely. My favorite memory was of the time that I got her tickets to a Picasso exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum and she asked me to join her. So off we went, Lin drove and we enjoyed the exhibit and lunch! She will be truly missed. We are so happy we had her in our lives.
Simone Taylor
December 17, 2020
No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of need. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
Raymond Alice
December 16, 2020
Margie was a lovely & accomplished musician, as well as a devoted wife, wife & grandmother.
She will be greatly missed.
Alice Raymond
December 16, 2020
Marjorie was a lovely & accomplished musician, as well as a devoted wife & mother. She will be greatly missed.
Alice Raymond
Liz Lenza
December 16, 2020
Margie was our neighbor for the past 27 years. She was delightful, elegant and spirited. Last Christmas We spoke at the annual open house. She gushed about looking forward to filling the house with children and grandkids for the Holidays. We are sad to hear she passed. Our condolenses to the whole family. Lizbeth Lenza
Steve Warner
December 16, 2020
My prayers and condolences to James and Christine in Marjorie's passing.
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