Marjorie Esther Ketchum-Sirney of Mary Esther, FL and Lake Wylie, SC, passed away peacefully at her home on December 20, 2020, at the age of 96.
Marjie was born in Ohio on January 9, 1924, to the late Cloyd and Dorothy Steininger and was the eldest and last surviving of their 4 children (Reed Steininger, Nancy Westinfelder, and Charles Steininger). She was known for her endless creativity, her love of whimsy and her quick wit. During WWII, Marjie was a Rosie the Riveter. On Dec. 20, 1957, she married the love of her life, the late Capt. Bert E. Ketchum. She raised her family and later graduated with a B. A. in Education from the University of West Florida when she was 53. She taught special education at Mary Esther Elementary School. Marjie was a member of the Red Hatter’s Club, the Miniature’s Club, the Doll Club, the Gem and Mineral Society, the Organ Club and the National China Painting Society, where she won several awards for her artistry and portraits. She taught others how to China Paint into her 80s. At the age of 82, she married the late Col. John Sirney. At 92, she moved from her home in Mary Esther, FL to Lake Wylie, SC to live with her eldest son and daughter-in-law. She joined Lake Wylie Rocks where she loved to paint beautiful butterflies and her signature roses. She was also a member of The Landing Crochet Club and Book Club. Many of the neighbors, neighborhood children, and her great grandchildren would come over to learn how to crochet, make jewelry, and paint rocks or wooden boxes. She was always listening to beautiful music, either Andrea Bocelli or Josh Groban. However, her favorite was listening to the late Wolfgang Roth playing his violin and his wife, her dear friend, Bette Roth, playing her harp. Marjie was so generous and loved giving her guests something she made when they came to visit. She loved watching Hallmark movies because there was always a happy ending. She spread cheer everywhere she went because her walker was always decorated with lights and flowers for every season. To know Marjie was to love Marjie. She was a strong, gracious, and godly woman who lived life to the fullest.
Marjie is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Sano, and Marjorie Star Thompson; her sons Mark (Emily) Ketchum and Bert, Jr. (Theresa) Ketchum; 6 stepdaughters; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on what would have been her 97th birthday, Saturday, January 9, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 13110 Moss Road, Charlotte, NC. Due to social distancing restrictions, seating in the main sanctuary is limited. Masks are required. The service will also be made available through live streaming at this link:
Good Shepherd Church Live Streaming
A private interment will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital,1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.
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