Edith "Marie" Chisholm

1931 - 2017

Edith "Marie"
Chisholm

April 20, 1931 -
October 1, 2017

Edith "Marie" Chisholm, 86, peacefully passed into her Lords hands surrounded by her loving family on October 1, 2017 at Riverbend Hospital after several years of fighting various illnesses. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. She never let circumstances get her down but focused on laughter and family.

Marie was born to Edith "Toots" Chisholm and Harvey Tutwiler April 20, 1931 in Helena, Montana. Although she never knew her real father, Wesley "Slim" Chisholm became her father when she was two. Marie grew up in Montana where she graduated from St Regis High School, married Roy Wirtz and ultimately started her own family. After a divorce and as a single mother of four, she made the bold decision to move her small family to Eugene, Oregon in August 1963 determined to provide better opportunities for her children.

Marie worked for US Bank for many years and married Bob Hodgins on June 8, 1968. She learned to water ski at Triangle Lake, spent a week at the beach every year at Pacific City and took vacations in Hawaii where she developed a love for the islands including body surfing, snorkeling and parasailing (which she did into her late 70's). Bob was very ill for four years during which time Marie faithfully took care of him at home. After his passing Marie continued to go to Hawaii with family on a regular basis, went on camping trips with her family, snow skiing and spent more time with her oil painting. She also became very involved and devoted a lot of time and energy to the Wesley Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. Most importantly, during all of this time, she continued to be a devoted mother and sister with a joy for life that all could see and share in.

Marie was blessed with a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by all parents and grandparents and her beloved brother Bill Chisholm. She is survived by her siblings Jerry Chisholm, Debbie (Deland) Mord, Joe Chisholm and Karen Carter. Marie thought her greatest gifts were her four children Lauri (Dick) Woolley, Rick (Julie) Wirtz, Rod (Cindee) Wirtz and Kelly Wirtz. Her children in turn blessed her with four grandchildren; Jared (Nikkole) Wirtz, Alaina (Mike) Taylor, Lyric (Ed) Dasso and Mariah (Dante) Giles. Who in turn blessed her with seven great grandchildren - Cyrus and Scarlet Wirtz, Jake and Wesley Taylor, Eli and Ilana Dasso and Malia Giles. Last, but not least, she left behind her cuddly companion Zoe.

Marie was kind, thoughtful, always taking care of those she loved and had a great sense of humor. In order to make her passing easier for her children, she gave specific written instructions on her memorial service, who to contact and what to do, often being humorous making us all laugh. Each child received a special letter. Marie was an excellent writer and in her biography (written so that all her children would know about her earlier years) she finished it with "No one has ever loved you more than I have. You always and will forever be first in my life and my heart." Her love of life and God will be remembered by all. She left us all with wonderful memories and a family that loves one another. We are all blessed to have had her in our lives.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Wesley Methodist Church on November 18, 2017 at 10:00am at 1385 Oakway Road, Eugene, OR. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wesley Methodist Church in Marie's memory.