Marjorie Martinson Obituary

Marjorie Ann (Hall) Martinson, 91, of Durango, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2021 at the Hospice House at Mercy. She was born on December 29, 1929 in Denver, CO to Alfred H. & Hattie E. (Wagner) Hall.

Marj graduated from North High School, Denver, CO., Class of 1947 and the University of Colorado, School of Nursing, BSN, 1953.

On May 1, 1954, she married William E. Martinson, Sr. in Denver, CO, during what would become a record breaking late season snow storm.

Marj was a registered nurse then stay at home mom until her children were in school. After moving to Durango in 1968, she worked part time as an RN at the old Community Hospital and once her children were grown she served as the school nurse at Miller Junior High for many years.

She was a member of P.E.O., Daughters of the American Revolution, Electra Sporting Club, and First United Methodist Church.

Marj was especially proud of her family and cherished her many friendships. She hiked many trails in southwest Colorado and would set quite a pace for her kids and grandkids. She also loved fishing and any time spent at Electra Lake.

Never one to sit still, Marj enjoyed travel and was a perpetual volunteer, especially when it involved her P.E.O. chapter or the First United Methodist Church, be it for the annual Christmas bazaar or manning a cash register at the Thrift Shop. Once her deteriorating health and hearing forced her to curtail many activities, she was still able to experience happiness thanks to the kindness and support of numerous Durangoans. The staff and volunteers at Hospice of Mercy deserve special credit for their compassionate care.

At CU Marj was a Homecoming Queen Candidate but square dancing was popular at the time and it was her participation in an elite college square dancing group that ultimately influenced her destiny. Marj had met Bill Martinson when they were in high school but since she was from Denver and he grew up in Cheyenne Wells it's no surprise that they lost touch. Fate intervened when Bill was waiting for a haircut while fighting with the Army in Korea and he happened to see a photograph of her square dancing in Collier's magazine. That prompted him to send her a telegram when he was finally on his way home to see whether she was free for a date. Her answer ultimately led to four kids and 53 years of marriage.

Marj was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her in-laws, her siblings, and too many dear friends.

Survivors include William E. Martinson, Jr. (son) & his wife Margaret of Tulsa, OK and their 3 children and 8 grandchildren; Kathie L. Burson (daughter) & her husband, George of Louisville, CO and their 2 children and 4 grandchildren; Robert D. Martinson (son) & his wife Karen of Albuquerque, NM and their 2 children; and Martin E. Martinson (son) & his wife Monica of Evanston, IL and their 4 children.

At her request, Marj will be cremated and her ashes buried next to those of her husband at Greenmount Cemetery. No memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please reach out to a friend or someone who could use a friendly boost. Kathie's P.E.O. chapter has established the Marj Martinson Memorial Nursing Scholarship to assist nursing students in the Durango area. Donations may be made to P.E.O. Chapter JI, c/o Jill Hyde, Treasurer, 2329 Waneka Lake Tr., Lafayette, CO

80026.