Marjorie passed away Sunday, February 10th, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.

She died after a long struggle with osteoporosis - seven vertebrae repairs, a pelvic fracture, fracture of the humerus (upper arm), a femoral head fracture and a second femoral shaft fracture where the hip replacement joined the femur.

The second hip replacement, a procedure called an IM Nailing, on February 3rd involved removing the hip replacement, and replacing it with a long artificial femur extending almost to the knee. She rallied well and by the 5th we were exploring options for "rehab". By Thursday the 7th, fluid was building and a vacuum drain inserted. Saturday night she was moved to ICU.

I drove to Winston-Salem, kissed her goodbye, and asked them to remove life support. She died 30 minutes later. The immediate cause of death was respiratory failure.

The long term cause was an early hysterectomy and a regimen of steroids to combat rheumatoid arthritis. A life time of smoking didn't help although she did give up cigarettes two years ago. Her diet was compromised by a Zenker's diverticulum repaired a year ago. She became frail and did not exercise.

She will best be remembered for her hospitality by the hundreds of people who came to her table. She suffered fools with generosity (including myself). Both Sam Adams and Jesus would have approved of her companions.

Her ashes will be returned to Dellwood, Wisconsin later this Spring, where she will join my father and her husband.

I miss you.

Jim