Marguerite R. Tornga
July 25, 1927 - November 6, 2007
Obituary
Marguerite Martha Tornga
July 25, 1927 – Nov 6, 2007
Marguerite, 80, went to be with her Lord after a brief illness with cancer. She went peacefully surrounded by her family.
Marguerite was born in Muleshoe, TX , to Lois and J.B. Roberts. After graduating Valedictorian from Mary Hardin Baylor College, she began teaching school until she married the love of her life, Gerald Tornga. They came to Seattle to work at Kings Garden CRISTA, where she worked as a teacher, school secretary, executive secretary, and executive housekeeper.
She leaves behind Gerald, her husband of 56 years; their 6 children Marlene Bob Seymour, of Gladstone, OR; Roger Jana Tornga of Huston, TX; Lois Mike Millenaar, of Edmonds WA; Craig Heather Tornga of Anchorage, AL; Mary Jon Buchholtz of Tacoma, WA; and Martha Rusty Johnson of Marysville, WA.
She was a loving Grandmother to Lisa Mark Cunningham; Mike Amy Seymour; Jason Crystal Millenaar; Keeli Justin Westmoreland; Amy Tyler Quick; Steven Johnson; Ben and Paula Tornga; Ashley, Aaron, Ben and Jonathan Buchholtz. They will never forget Cousin-Camp, grandma’s letters, grandma’s prayers, and her great encouragement.
She was also a great grandmother to Mason and Max Cunningham, Gabe Seymour, and Chloe and Roslyn Quick.
Memorial to be held Sat, Nov 10th and 2:00 PM at:
Cornerstone Community Church
6205 222nd St SW
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98048
425775-5553
Aunt Marguerite was a beautiful living example of God’s love, grace and forgiveness. Even in her absence, I know she will live on in my memory as the one who loved me when I thought no one could or would. She and Gerry, by example and not so much by preaching, with the purest kind of Christian love, provided a safe place for my heart to come to peace! They have always been genuine. They have always been loving. They are, to me, what God meant when He said to ”be Christ-like”. I pray that I will mature in the Lord and be the kind of walking example of Christ-likeness that they were to so many people. I am thankful for Marguerite’s touch on my heart and in my life. I will miss her.
PS: One of the things I loved about visiting with Marguerite and Gerry is that when we would gather for a meal they would pull out their hymnal and would lead us in a song, and we all sang!, then we would hold hands and they would pray. It was simple, pure and precious. I cheerish my fond memories!
Jerry:
We were so sorry to hear of Marguerite’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love Barbara and Ron Smith
my Name is Mark, my Aunt marce was marguerite’s room mate…so i had the honor to visit with Marguerite and Jerry and pray with her on a couple of occasions….I felt sad when she was no longer there..as she felt to me like family…even though i didn’t know her long, but thats the way the Family of God is…I could sense what a Lovely and cherished human being she was ,,with such a beautiful smile.
It gives me great comfort to know that I will see her again one day and she is now in such a great place,without any pain..but with extreme joy and peace, Dancing with the King of Kings.
My Prayers of comfort are with Jerry and the Family..
Sincerely Mark Cheledinas
I can only smile and be thankful when I think of Marguerite. She and Gerry have been such a blessing in my life for years and years. It was always a joy to think of them and to be with them when possible. I pray now for strength for Gerry as he remains the head of his household and I am sure that our Lord will grant him that strength. Praise the Lord for His salvation and for His peace. I loved Marguerite and Gerry and therefore all of their family. God bless you all.
Jerry,
I was greatly saddened to hear of Marguerite’s passing. She was one of those memorable teachers one never forgets–in my case from eighth grade. I always thought it so wonderful how she faithfully memoralized those who had passed away at the annual Old Timer’s Get Together at CRISTA. Next year she will be among those memoralized herself. She was truly a woman of God, and this was evident in what she said and how she lived. May the memory of the wonderful wife God blessed you with for 56 years comfort you at this time, and sustain you in the years ahead.
One of the many students Marguerite’s life touched over the years.
I don’t know if you remember me or not, but I went to Christian Temple and was in Sunday school with Mary and Martha. I was called Gaby Miller back then. I was saddened to read of Marguerite’s passing. I remember her fondly and ran into her a year or two ago since we live about six blocks apart! We had a good chat and she remembered me. She was a dear soul and a great role model of a life of faithful service to our Lord. I am praying for God to comfort you all in the loss of your beloved mom, wife, and grandmother. Take care.
Marguerite was a gracious and helpful friend. We met in l969 when I joined King’s Garden. She worked with my good friend, Ruth Dunlop, whom Gerry and the girls will remember. My sympathy to the family. In Christian Love, Libby Stannard.
I think heaven must be the most wonderful place where there is no pain or sorrow,only joy. A place where loved ones all come together. You are in my prayers that the strength of your love and thoughts of coming together again will comfort you at this time.
April~
Dear Uncle Gerald and all my ”great” cousins,
It’s hard to imagine that Aunt Marguerite is gone. I can only picture her standing tall and smiling!
I can’t begin to tell you what terrific memories I have of driving over the mountains to visit you all in beautiful Seattle all those years ago. Mary-Lee and Lisa and I all have wonderful memories of those visits with Mary, Martha, and Lois!
I’ve been praying for you all, asking God to give you deep peace in the midst of your deep grief.
Lots of love,
Sharon and Steve and Rachel and Elizabeth and Jimmy
The Bouma-Holtrops
miss you grandma