Marjorie “Marj” Hatzimanolis died the afternoon of June 18, 2022 at the age of 98 surrounded by her family. She was born to Fred and Ada Gumbleton at the family home in Chilcompton, England on July 28, 1923. Marj was one of eleven children.
In 1941 World War II was well underway. Marj worked in one of Britain’s largest aircraft factories. During the war she and her family endured many hardships. It was during these upsetting circumstances in January, 1944, that Marj met her forever love, Ted Hatzimanolis, who was stationed in England while serving for the Army Corps of Engineers. The two became engaged in April, but the invasion of France delayed their marriage.
On May 7, 1945, while Ted was on combat leave, the two were married in Somerset, England. As they came out of the church, all the bells in England were ringing - Germany had surrendered. Within twenty-four hours, Ted was back in Germany and on to Marseilles, France preparing to invade Japan. During this time, Marj stayed with her family waiting and looking forward to the day that she and Ted would once again be together.
The war ended and, nearly a year later, on April 1, 1946 Marj arrived in New York on the steamship President Tyler along with hundreds of other war brides. She went on to Boston with Ted’s family before flying across the country to join her husband in Colorado where he was finishing his education at Colorado A & M. Their romantic story was followed by the AP and was front page news in many papers.
Ted’s job with the Forest Service took them across the rugged West, starting a family in Colorado, and eventually settling in Del Norte County where she lived for 65 years. Over the years Marj was a 4-H leader, President and member of the Crescent City Women’s Club, Red Cross volunteer, and school board member. She was an avid gardener and for over thirty years grew a pumpkin patch for her daughter’s students. She was always willing to help others, and her kindness and generosity lives on through those selfless acts. Wherever Marj lived she was known for her wonderful cooking and baking which was enjoyed by many over the years.
Marj was the matriarch of the family and will be deeply missed by her loving family: daughter, Carol(Clar) Byers ; grandchildren: Malinda Hatzimanolis, Brian (Jennifer) Ghidinelli, Steven (Michelle) Ghidinelli, Colin Byers, and Lauren (John) Olvera; great-grandchildren: Ella, Olivia, and Matteo Ghidinelli. “Take care. God bless you.”
Marj now joins her husband Ted, daughter Elaine, and son Phillip.
Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.