On September 11, Marjorie Ann Rupp, age 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her devoted family after a long battle with cancer. 

 

Marjorie was born Marjorie Ann Gustafson on November 30, 1928, on a farm in Gonvick, Minnesota that was homesteaded by her parents, Charles and Gurina Gustafson.  After a childhood spent in the beauty and solitude of rural Minnesota, she attended Lindenwood College and then the University of Minnesota.  She also had a career as a model while she lived in Minneapolis.  At the University, she met a handsome graduate student and veteran, Marwood "Woody" Rupp, whom she married on September 15, 1951.  Their loving marriage lasted for 62 years, until he passed away in 2013.

 

 

Marjorie devoted her time to raising her four daughters while traveling the world in support of her husband’s career.  After traveling the world, including many years in Tripoli, Libya, she and her family settled in Park Ridge, Illinois, and then in Comus, Maryland.  She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega in college, was an enthusiastic musician with the Park Ridge Chorale, and enjoyed her dance classes at Saint Mary's Church in Barnesville.  In her prime she loved travel and adventure, but as she aged, she appreciated a return to a quiet rural life and spent her time playing the piano, exercising, playing cards with her family, walking in nature, and helping with her grandchildren.  

 

 

Marjorie is survived by her daughters, Tammy Rupp of Comus, Maryland, Terrill "Teri" Rupp Doyle (Michael Doyle) of Mendham, New Jersey, Susan Toni McDermott (Geoffrey McDermott) of Boyds, Maryland, and Tracy Helwig (Dan Helwig) of Hershey, Pennsylvania.  She also leaves behind six grandchildren:  Christopher McDermott, Danny McDermott, Alyx Pavone, Derek Helwig, Patrick Doyle and John "Jack" Doyle; and six great- grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her husband, Marwood Rupp and her three brothers, Glenn Gustafson, Hiram Gustafson and Clifton Gustafson.       

 

 

Marjorie will be remembered with love and gratitude.

 

 

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville MD, 20850