Obituary of Marjorie J. Wintersteen

Marjorie, 91, passed away April 29, 2013 in Olympia, Washington. She was born August 10, 1921 to Henry L. and Bertha (Thomson) Davis in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1939, and went on to the University of Iowa in Iowa City where she received a degree in physical education in 1943. During WWII, Marjorie served in the U.S. Navy, training new recruits in New York City (1943-1945). On March 24, 1945, she married Hugh Wintersteen in Chester, PA. He later became a member of the clergy in the Episcopal Church, and predeceased her in 1969. A 41-year resident of Olympia, she also lived in Idaho, Oregon, California, and Iowa. Marjorie loved the out of doors and had many jobs that suited her perfectly: Director of Canoe Island Camp (1980-1989), Program Director for Pacific Peaks Girl Scout Council (1973-1979), Site Director of Multnomah Outdoor School (1969-1973). She was affectionately known as “Skipper” to camp staff and campers for 40 years. Marjorie was a lifelong swimmer, and competed in the Senior Games through 2012. She also loved kayaking, sailing, canoeing, and hiking. Always eager for new adventures and opportunities to learn, she learned to fly before she learned to drive. She was an accomplished seamstress and knitter. She could sew, alter or repair any clothing or fabric item. In addition, she loved reading and singing in choirs. Marjorie traveled widely in her retirement, visiting the Galapagos Islands, Netherlands, Northern Britain, the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey, and numerous destinations in the U.S. with family and friends. Marjorie was always social and genuinely enjoyed the company of others. Throughout her life, she generously opened her home to others and was renowned for her baking abilities. She also was devoted to her children and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church. She is survived by daughters, Janelle Wintersteen and Jill Jasper, both of Boise, ID, Sarah Hagestedt of Gresham, OR, and Laura Sommers of Seattle; son, Charles Wintersteen of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren, Heather, Adam, Betsy, Isaac, and Olivia; and sister, Mabel Aronson of Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Camp Huston, www.Huston.org, Girl Scouts of Western Washington, www.girlscoutsww.org, Canoe Island French Camp,www.Canoeisland.org, or a youth program of your choice. Please leave memories of Marjorie or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.