Marjorie Mannix

Marjorie Haskell Mannix, born in Jersey City, New Jersey on September 20, 1932, closed her eyes on this world on October 1, 2025. She was the youngest child of John and Margaret Haskell. Her family moved to Lake George when she was in sixth grade and enrolled her in a one-room schoolhouse in Diamond Point, New York. Marjorie from New Jersey was having none of back woods education and insisted on attending the more cosmopolitan Lake George Union School (class size 22). She rose to be valedictorian of her graduating class.

She bore and raised five children: Elizabeth (William); Margaret (Michael); John (Kathleen); Pam; and Mark (Sara). In turn, Marjorie had 14 grandchildren: Megan, Jeffrey, Matthew, Sarah, Kelly, John, Faith, Ben, Jackson, Emma, Martha, Julia, Sean, and Kristina. Great-grandchildren abound (11 so far) with one more due next year. Her husband Jack, a magician of some local note, disappeared along the way.

Marjorie's influence and love and guidance extended beyond her immediate family to her nephews Montague, Kurt, Kris, Karl, Kevin, Dean and Joel, and nieces, Cindy and Kim from her two predeceased brothers, Budd and Don Haskell. There are many friends in and around the Lake George area, and across the country, who will miss her. Many of her children's peers, felt like she was their second mother. Her wonderful smile was generously and memorably shared with friends and family.

Marjorie was able to travel the world with her older brother, Budd and visited him both in Korea and Germany. She also encouraged her children to travel. When Mark returned from Germany, at age 14, he brought back not only a taste for beer, but also the name "Mutti" (he said it meant Mother) which was quickly adopted by all.

Mutti spent many happy summers on Lake George with her close, now deceased, friend Ann, in their dowdy, but stable, sailboat called "The Cat's Away." She was an excellent driver, and, unlike many of the elderly who lose their license due to inadvertent accidents, she had none (of significance). She did, however, execute a perfect T-bone of a vehicle one evening, which also took out several garbage cans at the same time.

She was a loving mother and grandmother and helped her children raise successful children of their own by being willing to step in anytime, anywhere, lend a hand, cook a meal, sew a prom dress or simply provide a cheery word. She typifies the phrase: "A life well lived."

Around Lake George, Marjorie was well known, and when a volunteer was needed, she stepped up and gracefully accomplished the job. She looked stunning in a Girl Scouts outfit, which she wore as her daughters passed through, and for twenty or more years beyond. She avoided the blue of Cub Scouting, but nevertheless, supported her boys as they trod those paths. In addition to Girl Scouting, she gave thirty plus years (both on the boards and as president) of the Lake George Library and the Lake George Garden Club. Her Garden Club presidency however ended in scandal. Marjorie's entry was disqualified from the Christmas terrarium competition, for her artful use of the endangered Northern Running Pine. She was a member of Caldwell Presbyterian Church for almost eighty years, and was a Trustee from 1969 to 1985. When Marge was in charge of the coffee-hour refreshments, attendance at the service increased markedly.

Mutti was highly skilled in the kitchen. Her Coquilles St. Jacques, copied from our friends at Chez Pierre, was a family favorite. For our children, she recreated the sumptuous Sunday dinners from her own parents' house up on the Bolton Road. If you were invited to dine at Mutti's, you were always in for a treat. When Celiac disease came to her extended family, she became a whiz with gluten-free creations.

She graduated from Plattsburgh State when it was called Plattsburgh Teachers College. Marjorie would have made a fine teacher but since she was blessed with a rapid succession of children, she put her education skills to use in our early childhood and continued on with teaching through her entire life. She gladly took responsibility for afternoon supervision of Pam's children for years as they walked to her home after school. All learned to love televised crime dramas as a result.

Marjorie was a keen and avid player of bridge. She hosted bridge nights and while some cards were played, local issues were examined and not a trace of gossip was exchanged.

Despite the ravages of a debilitating stroke affecting her speech, which occurred more than 19 years ago, Marjorie never lost her smile. Marjorie was never a fan of PT. She received a new hip many years ago and grudgingly performed enough activity to become mobile again. In her last years, despite entreaties, she chose to recline not rehab. That might have made a good sweatshirt slogan for her.

Last week, eschewing her walker, Mutti was inspired by an afternoon soccer match to stand up and fire off a kick or two. While attempting to caper across the living room, one enthusiastic kick caused her to tumble and fall. Life can turn on a dime, and the resulting head wound brought the prospect of extended longevity to an abrupt halt.

Marjorie survived ninety-three winters. She lived to see her children's children's children. She often said that "God watches over Marjorie" and "Keep the faith."

Services will be held at the Caldwell Presbyterian Church on October 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Fort William Henry Carriage House from 12:30 to 3:30. In order to properly honor the life of a master gardener, please wear colorful clothing and leave the black at home. In lieu of memorial flowers, the family suggests that contributions can be made to the Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Lake George, New York, in Marjorie's memory. Well done, good and faithful servant.