Marjory McClaren, 67

It is with broken hearts that the family of Marjory McClaren announces her passing on July 9, at the age of 67 due to Parkinson’s Disease. Marjory was born in Kalispell to Bill and Lois McClaren. She grew up enjoying hiking, camping and gardening with her parents and siblings, Steve, Marla, and Mary. She graduated from Flathead High School in 1976. After working at Semi-Tool for a short time, she became a dispatcher at the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department and for the 911 Dispatch Center for 25 years. She was considered to be one of the best dispatchers and she was highly respected by her coworkers, the law enforcement officers, and first responders with whom she worked. After her retirement in 2013, she pursued her love of photography where she also excelled. 

In 1992, Marjory met and married the first love of her life, Marc Moriva. Together they cycled through much of Montana as well as many of the Western states including Death Valley. After Marc’s passing Marjory continued to cycle as well as increased her running and completed multiple marathons. In 2011, Marjory’s nephews and nieces insisted that she contact and meet one of their old teachers from Flathead H.S., who had also lost his soulmate. After much anguish and mental debate, she reached out to Fred Longhart. It turned out to be a wise decision. Marjory was fortunate to have a second love in her life. Marjory and Fred enjoyed many adventures together. They also enjoyed many hikes in Glacier National Park, Canada, and climbed Mount Whitney with Marjory’s sister, Marla. 

However, they met their most daunting challenge when Marjory was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2017. In 2019, she became the leader of the Flathead Valley Parkinson’s Support Group where she made many close friends and helped many people navigate their journey with Parkinson’s. Marjory faced her challenge with Parkinson’s like she did with all the other challenges in her life. She met this challenge with courage and strength that left her family and friends recognizing her as an inspiration for their own lives. 

We will always miss Marjory but are determined to live as she did. If only we can leave this world exhibiting the same grace, courage, and dignity that she had during her final few months. The family would like to extend gratitude to her caregivers Toni Whitman, Brianna Seubert, our close friend, Lois Wagner, Ken and all of the other hospice staff who helped Marjory through the difficult final stages of her life. At a later date we plan to have a Walk for Parkinson’s to honor Marjory’s Life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Flathead Valley Parkinson’s Support Group, a Parkinson’s Foundation of your choice, or the McClaren Endowment Fund at FVCC.