Marjorie Allwood

Marjorie "Margie" (Wilhite) Murdock Allwood, born in Akron, Ohio on September 15, 1934, passed away peacefully on July 29 at 7:29 PM at the age of 89. Margie was the youngest daughter of Mary Fern (Elliott) and Enza Joseph Wilhite. She grew up on a farm in Randolph, Ohio, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen at Randolph High School, graduating in 1952.

Margie married her first love, Gene Murdock, on February 14, 1953, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Suffield, Ohio after literally falling for him while ice skating at the age of 13. They shared a beautiful life together, raising four children: Mary Lou, David, Kathy, and Rick. Margie and Gene moved to Pennsylvania in 1977, where Margie continued to spread her warmth and kindness, making new friends, and creating lasting memories.

After Gene's passing in 1988, Margie found love again with Ted Allwood. They married January 11, 1995, and a formal ceremony followed in April of 1996, in a small chapel in Mesa, AZ. Ted brought joy and companionship back into Margie's life, and together they enjoyed traveling, golfing, and spending time with their families. Margie adored Ted's children- Denise, Dawn, Tracy, and Teddy- and their families, and they welcomed and loved her just as fiercely.

Margie was a devoted Catholic, attending Mass every Sunday. She worked in various roles throughout her life, including at the school cafeteria, selling Avon, and working on the labor and delivery floor at a hospital in Ohio. In Pennsylvania, she volunteered at Lehigh Valley Hospital and later worked at Parkway Lanes snack bar until her retirement.

Margie was known for her love of people and her ability to make everyone feel like they were her favorite. She was a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, always busy with her family and helping, whether it was babysitting the little ones, cooking her stuffed green peppers or chicken and wild rice for dinner, or cleaning up the house. She loved to watch and cheer on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they did what they loved, whether it was playing sports or performing.

Margie enjoyed dancing (and wanted everyone else to enjoy it, too!), listening to the Rat Pack, golfing, bowling, and crocheting baby blankets for her great-grandchildren until arthritis left her unable to continue. She treasured family traditions, such as the Annual Christmas Cookie Bake, and generally spending time with her family enjoying the conversations, food, and a tasty cocktail.

Margie would often say that she talks to God all the time and that in life, you have to bend like a tree and be flexible. She modeled that for all of us through her two successful marriages; surviving breast cancer, the loss of two beloved husbands, being hit as a pedestrian by a car in her 70s, and many other losses; maintaining her faith in God, hope for the future, indomitable spirit, and gratitude for her blessings. She taught us what it means to persevere, to love wholly and unabashedly, and to embrace joy and each other. Her legacy of love, kindness, and hospitality will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Margie is survived by her brother Frank (Brenda) Wilhite, brother-in-law Donald LaChance, 7 children: Mary Louise (Rocky) Williams, David Eugene (Barbara) Murdock, Kathleen Ann Frame, Richard (June) Murdock, Dawn (Rick) Billing, Tracy (Chris) Mann, and Teddy (Stephanie) Allwood; 28 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, one great-great- grandchild, 19 nieces and nephews and many friends who will miss her dearly.

Margie is now joyfully reunited in heaven with those who passed before her, including her parents, Mary Fern (Elliott) and Enza Joseph Wilhite; Siblings Jim, Mary, Barbara Jane, and Barbara Lee; husbands Gene Murdock and Ted Allwood; grandson Samuel Paul Frame; daughter-in-law Denise (Allwood) Van Ness; and nephews Doug and Donny Murdock, Danny and Bobby Wilhite and Michael LaChance.

Tremendous and heartfelt thanks go to the truly exceptional staff at The Village of St. Edwards Memory Care Unit, who provided much more than nursing care for "Aunt Margie," but also provided a peaceful and compassionate environment during her transition from this life to the next.

Services have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home and will be held privately.

Memorial donations in Margie's name can be made to your favorite charity or your favorite watering hole, where you are instructed to tie a few on and shout "Social" while sharing stories of our sweet Margie.

Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.