Marjorie McLachlan-Thorne

1918 - 2015

Marjorie McLachlan-Thorne

Was born to Joetta and Clinton in San Francisco, CA on July 11, 1918. She and her younger sister, Helen, spent most of their childhood in Palo Alto, CA. Marjorie graduated from Palo Alto High School and attended The University of Oregon and UC Berkeley. She, and her first husband, Shelford Wyatt, had a daughter, Joanne.
As a young mother, Marjorie taught pre-school and kindergarten at Carey School in San Mateo. She moved to Hawaii for a short time and was a long term substitute at Punahou School. After returning to San Mateo, she worked for the Employment Development Department for six years.
In 1951, Marjorie married Dr. Donald McLachlan, a widower with a young daughter, Lynn. She was a loving mother to two girls and created a caring home for her new family. In addition to being a scout leader and an active member of the PTA, she was a crafts person and a gourmet cook. Her sister's quote, "Marge could make a tuna fish sandwich taste like it came from a five star restaurant." Marjorie was also an active member of the Children's Home Society and the PEO Sisterhood.
Don and Marjorie moved to the Peninsula Regent in 1988, where she was a charter member for twenty-seven years. While at the Regent, she initiated and led a weekly class of water aerobics for twenty years; the class was enjoyed by many of the residents. As "Seventh Floor Social Director," she greeted each new resident of her wing with warmth, congeniality, and her captivating smile.
Marjorie was married to Don for forty-one years. After his death, she met and married Albert (Fred) Thorne, who was also living at the Regent. They had several happy years together before his death.
Marjorie passed away on March 23, 2015. She is survived by daughters Joanne Fletter (James W.) and Lynn Dodge (Richard), 5 grandchildren, Kristen Franz (Heinz), Debra Fletter, James E. Fletter (Cathy,) Douglas Dodge (Cheryl), Matt Dodge, and 8 great grandchildren: Ryan, Daniel, Arielle, Rachel, Sabrina, Dean, Zachary, and Jake. She also leaves a sister, Helen Paris, many nephews and nieces, and their families.
A celebration of her life will be held on May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Peninsula Regent, #1 Baldwin Ave, San Mateo, 94401. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Peninsula Regent Employee Educational Grant Fund.