Marjorie Ellen Olin, 92

Marjorie Ellen Olin passed away on March 12, 2014, at The Bridge, in Sandpoint, Idaho, where she had been a resident since October 2013.

Marge was born to Bert and Sylvia Sellers in Rose Lake, Idaho, on October 12, 1921. She had one brother, Don Sellers. She was raised and attended school in Rose Lake where her mother was a teacher.

After graduating from high school in 1938, Marge attended Lewiston Normal School and received her provisional teaching certificate. Marge took a job teaching first grade in Spirit Lake, Idaho, where she also coached girls' basketball. During that time she met Raymond Olin. Marge needed someone to keep the scorebook for a game and Ray was in the gym. She asked him to do it, and he said, “I don’t think so.” Ray said Marge threw the book in his lap and walked away; he said she’d been telling him what to do ever since.

In 1943, Marge joined the U.S. Navy WAVES as a Specialist Photographer. She trained at the U.S. Naval Training School in Bronx, N.Y., the U.S. Naval Air Station in Atlanta, Ga., and the Naval Air Station in Seattle, Wash.

While home on leave, Ray and Marge married on October 6, 1944, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Ray returned to duty in the Pacific, and Marge returned to duty at the Naval Air Station on Lake Washington where she photographed ships in port along the Pacific Coast. Both Marge and Ray were discharged in 1945.

After the war, Marge and Ray made their home in Spirit Lake, Idaho, where their two sons, Don and Doug, were born. In 1951, they moved to Coeur d’Alene where Marge lived for 62 years. Ray worked for Northwest Timber, and was president of the Woodworker's Union until he retired in 1982.

While raising their boys, Marge spent many years taking night and summer classes. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Idaho, Marge began teaching first grade in Coeur d’Alene. She taught in several elementary schools including Roosevelt, Sherman and Winton until she retired in 1982. Even after her retirement, Marge substituted in local schools through the early 1990’s. She was a very kindhearted, dedicated teacher who was loved by her students. One former student honored Marge by naming a room after her when he converted Roosevelt School to a bed and breakfast, the current Roosevelt Inn.

While teaching and raising her family, Marge was active in Cub Scouts and PTA. She was a member of the North Idaho Retired Educator’s Association and the Alpha chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa.

After retirement, Marge and Ray enjoyed RV trips to Jackpot and Reno, Nev., and to Seattle to watch the Mariners. Marge loved doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showering them with gifts and baked goods on all occasions.

Marge was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend to many. She was a true person of service, so thoughtful to family and friends. Being a strong and independent woman, Marge was able to drive until she was 90, often providing rides to events and appointments for many of her friends.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, in 2007; and her brother, Don, in 2013. She is survived by her sons: Don (Kathy), of Rose Lake, Idaho, and Doug (Patsy) of Sandpoint, Idaho; grandchildren: Shilo (Chris) Sands ,of St. Maries; Kaia (Ryan) Barnes, of Post Falls; Bryce Olin, of Seattle; Jackson Olin, of Portland; Hailey Olin, of Sandpoint; Dannale (Jeremy) Anderson, of Cataldo; and Hope Scott, of Smelterville; great grandchildren: Arie, Coy, and Greyson Sands; Averie and Kendyl Barnes; Elizabeth Anderson; Skylee, Serentity, and Anthony James Scott; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends who adopted Marge as “Grandma.”

A celebration of Marge’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 16, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Please visit Marge’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.