Marjorie Frances Torpey's Obituary
Marjorie “Marge” F. Torpey, 92, of San Diego, CA, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
She was born in Sunnyside, WA, on May 29, 1932, and raised on a farm in Lakeside, CA. She enlisted into the US Air Force on December 5, 1950. While stationed in Rome, NY, Marge met Sergeant Richard “Dick” J. Torpey, Jr. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on June 21, 1951. Marge changed careers from a USAF Corporal to a military wife and supported her husband from Okinawa, Japan, to Altus, Oklahoma, with stops in Ohio and Kansas. She never lost her love of travel and saw the world as a retiree with her husband. When her youngest entered kindergarten, Marge began a nursing career with a specialty in Respiratory Therapy. She retired from the State of California.
Marge had endless energy for her patients and family, especially her husband, Dick. She served up love, along with food, that was legendary. Her recipes are still being passed down to her grandchildren. In the words of her husband, Marge prayed for all her children, more than they would ever know. She loved all of them with her whole heart and soul. Dick loved and thanked God continuously that she loved and prayed for him too. He used to say that Marge was a convert to the Catholic Church and a better Catholic than many who were born to the Church. She served as the Grand Lady of the Auxiliary when Dick served as Grand Knight for Chapter 4958 Thomas B. Austin, Knights of Columbus. Marge volunteered with her husband at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church with bingo, St. Anne’s Guild, and the donut ministry. She and Dick also volunteered at the Veterans Administration.
Marge leaves behind nine children, James, Sheila, Michael, Diana, Sharon, Nanette, Richard, Barbara, and Daniel. Along with her sister, Theresa Rhodes, Marge is survived by 21 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Her brother Richard “Stan” Mozier preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, 4-8 pm at Clairemont Mortuary, 4266 Mt. Abernathy Avenue, San Diego, CA. A rosary will be prayed for Marge starting at 6 pm. On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, a funeral mass will be held at 10 am at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church. Marge will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery alongside her husband of almost 60 years, Richard J. Torpey, Jr.
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