Marie Kjellson Harding
Marie Harding, aged 88, died peacefully on March 25, 2015 at the home in Chevy Chase Maryland that she shared with her wonderful husband of 70 years. A visit to the emergency room in late January began her struggle to overcome a mild heart attack and a relentless pneumonia.
Marie was born on November 29, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of Swedish immigrants, father Douglas William Kjellson and mother, Magda Kemner. At the age of 5 she moved to Georgetown in Washington DC with her mother and brother.
While attending Western High School, her mother became ill and Marie had to shoulder the responsibility of caring for herself and her brother. She was the first girl in Washington DC to have her own paper route to help support her family. She met the love of her life, Frances Harding when she was in junior high school and they married in 1945, shortly before he left for basic training in the Navy. In 1946 Marie and Francis had their one and only daughter Cheryl.
The family moved to Chevy Chase and Marie worked for the DC Department of Education. Marie's jewelry business and Avon sales supplemented her income.
Marie was a "care taker" for more than her aging parents and family. She guided and cared for several friends who today call her their second mother.
Marie is survived by her husband, Francis, her daughter Cheryl and husband Marshall her grandson, Russell and great grandchildren Kelsey and Trevor and her step granddaughter, Meg Graham and partner, Amy Jackson and their children Ella and Kate and her step grandson, John Graham and wife Jennifer and their children Emma and Jack.
There will be a viewing for Marie at Gawler's Funeral Home at 5310 Wisconsin Avenue NW (corner of Harrison St.), Washington DC 20016 from 2 to 3 PM on Saturday, March 28 2015. Services will follow immediately in the Joseph Hagan Memorial Chapel at Joseph Gawler's Sons at 3:00 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 12, 2015
Ingalill and I had the opportunity to really get to know Marie during
our years in Washington DC.
Marie was my mother Tua's cousin and Marie's mother Magda
was my grandmother Hildur's sister.
Through Marie we got to know her husband Francis and daughter Cheryl
and we had the happiest memories from our meetings with Marie and her
family.
Over time Ingalill and I felt that we really had become a tight family and
that we (Ingalill and I) provided the Swedish link.
We remember Marie as a lovely and kind woman and we are so grateful
for the time we spent together with her and the Harding family.
Our thoughts go to Marie's daughter Cheryl in this difficult time.
Leif and Ingalill Kallen
November 28, 2015
Sue Loveless
I just learned of Marie's passing. My love goes out to cousin Frank, who was so very close to us when I was a little kid in Georgetown. I always loved Marie and thought she was just like a princess with her beautiful face and golden hair.
March 31, 2015
Shirley Noble
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Marie was a beautiful and dear friend and will be missed by all.
March 29, 2015
Theo Harding
I will always remember Aunt Marie as a very kind, patient and lovely lady who always smiled, took time to listen, and share an encouraging story. I feel privileged for the time that spent together. She was truly an incredible inspiration. Much love, prayers, and hugs from my family- to all. Theo & Valerie Harding.
March 29, 2015
Cheryl Parker-Graham
Celebrating my mother
with love, Cha
Mom, I wanted to share some highlights of my memories of you with the friends and loved ones who have gathered to celebrate your life.
When I was very little I remember the fabulous mother and daughter dresses you made me because you couldn't afford to buy them. When I was in grade school, I remember how busy you were working your day job and your second job. I remember evenings when you picked me up at Immaculata, the private school I attended for girls, scurried home to get dinner on the table and clean up. I remember Saturdays when the house had to be cleaned and I couldn't play with my friends until I had completed my chores. I remember you caring for Grandfather who spent the weekends at our house and Nanny who lived with us in-between failed domestic jobs. I remember you with my dadsocializing with your friends, giggling and loving my dad and your life. I remember when you got very sick and ended up in the hospital. The doctors delivered the news that you had diabetes and would have to manage your life with finger pricks and insulin shots
.
After I was married, I remember your excitement about the birth of your grandson, your daily phone calls and willingness to put up with my early attempts to cook an edible meal.
I remember your early retirement from the DC Department of Education to go into your own jewelry business, the sales you made to women who promised to pay overtime....which was always extendedand the women you took under your wing who needed to learn how to survive the way you did when you were in your teens.
When I was about to marry again, I remember you fainting a week before the wedding because your heart wasn't beating regularly. You made it clear to the doctors that the recommended pace maker had to be installed and the healing completed in time for the wedding. The morning of the day of the wedding you were discharged and later that afternoon you showed up looking like a vision
I remember you taking care of your parents which was a complicated and never-ending job. Grandfather was opinionated and difficult at times and Nanny's mental illness demanded your patience and constant care. I remember that none of these challenges ever got you down. You always dealt with it all.
When diabetes diminished your eye sight, you wouldn't stop driving your caryou just invited friends to travel with you who could read the signs. But when you were forced to give up your driving independence you reluctantly acquiesced and adapted to being chauffeured.
I remember when you and my dad embraced the insulin pump, a new technology to manage your diabetes.
I remember our weekly outings for lunch and shopping; the ginger pumpkin soup you loved and the Neiman's café.
The constant memory replaying through all the years is your beauty, your sense of fashion, your independence, and your positive attitude.
Most important is the lasting memory of your unconditional love for me your daughter and your husband, my dad. You never failed to tell us and everyone else that you had the best daughter and the best husband.
Mom, we will always feel your presence and we know you are in a better place. We will join you in the future. I hope eternal life includes ginger pumpkin soup for us all.
March 27, 2015
Darlyn Figueroa
Thank you so much Mema for let me work with you I have this beautiful time with you you will always be on my heart love you
March 27, 2015
To the Harding family and Friends
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to you.
Rita Willis
(DC Public Schools)
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