JERRY MARQUARDT

1937 - 2016

Dec. 31, 1937 - April 15, 2016 NORMAN Jerry Marie Marquardt, of Norman, OK, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016, at the age of 78. Jerry was born Dec. 31, 1937, in Cyril, OK. She was preceded in death by parents, Mildred and Orville Laughlin; and her two sisters, Margie Lamb and Leota Rogers. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Byram & her husband Gregg; her sons, Brent Marquardt & wife Angela and Brad Marquardt; her grandchildren, Ashlee Byram & fiance Sean Garms, Morgan Zantout & her husband Omar, Madison Symonds & her husband Nyko, and Mackenzie and Brandon Marquardt. She was also survived by Nizam Murshed; he was her best friend, longtime companion, business partner, and caregiver who never left her side. Jerry grew up in Harrah, OK and graduated from McLoud High School. Upon graduation, she attended the former Central State University, now known as UCO, where she was named Homecoming Queen her freshman year. While attending UCO, Jerry met and married the father of her children, the late Max Marquardt. Later, after obtaining her bachelor's degree in education from The University of Oklahoma, Jerry taught kindergarten in the Putnam City School District and then became a career third grade teacher first at Jackson Elementary and then for many years at Cleveland Elementary in Norman. Upon retiring from teaching, Jerry owned and operated the Kettle Restaurant on Lindsey Street in Norman. She later founded, co-owned and operated her current business, Anything Goes, where she continued to work until she passed after her lengthy and brave battle with cancer. Everyone and anyone who worked for or with Jerry knows that when you dealt with her, you were always treated like family. For all of you who knew her, you know she was an amazing woman, devoted mother and grandmother, good listener, educator, and loved writing poems. She never failed to let those around her know how much she cared. In lieu of flowers, Jerry would wish the continued support of the Work Activity Center in Moore, OK, where her son, Brad, has been a client in excess of twenty years. The Center benefits and provides work skills for special needs individuals of all ages. The Center relies completely on their existing contracts and donations of others. Please make donations to: Work Activity Center 203 E. Main Moore, OK 73160 (405) 799-6911 Attn: Beverly Young A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche Street, Norman, OK. Services have been entrusted to Primrose Funeral Service. Please sign the online guest book at primrosefuneralservice.com