Marjorie Lou Alfonso, 83, of Traverse City, happily sang her final swan song on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at Traverse Manor.

On November 14, 1931 Alice and Clayton Gilbo welcomed their youngest daughter into the world. Marjorie was the 5th of 8 children in the Gilbo clan. In 1941, her mother, Alice, died unexpectedly. Within a few short months, Marjorie's older sister, Katherine, also died suddenly. At the age of 10, Marjorie was told that she was now the woman of the house. She assumed this responsibility graciously and made certain her 6 brothers were always well fed and well cared for.

In 1950, Marjorie and a group of girlfriends were invited to a Saturday night dance hall where she met a handsome young GI, John Alfonso. John and Marjorie were instantly attracted to each other, but John was being deployed to Korea in a few days. He boldly asked if he could have her address. The two struck up a long distance romance and John faithfully wrote love letters back home to Marjorie. His woo-ing worked.

On May 1, 1951 John and Marjorie were married at St. Alphonsus church in Grand Rapids. The couple always joked that they figured this Saint was a long lost relative that just got the spelling all wrong. Marjorie and John started their own family and were happily married for 48 years.

Marjorie was a member of the Peninsula Bible Church and would often tell Pastor John he was one of the best because she could almost stay awake for his whole sermon. Almost.

Marjorie enjoyed her last 10 years residing at Traverse Manor where she was known for her love of swans, infectious laugh, upbeat spirit and willingness to train all newcomers to her favorite card game, Kings in the Corner. However, she was a bit of a card shark and rumored to cheat.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the Traverse Manor staff, especially Amanda, Ashley and Jim. Thank you for taking such exceptional care of Mom, she truly loved you. Thank you to Laura from Hospice for sharing one of your final conversations. When Laura asked Marjorie about her life she pointed to the many family photos that decorated her walls and stated, "You see my family? They tell my story."

Surviving Marjorie are her children, Carol (Steven) Nickerson, Michael (Bonita "Kay") Alfonso, Margianne Alfonso, Bonnie Alfonso, grandchildren, Christina (Michael) Abbott, Kyndra Nickerson, Stefanie (Jordan) Warzecha, Tyler Lyon, Megan Alfonso, Grant Alfonso, great grandchildren Nicholas and Dominic and many other loving family members and friends.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Clayton, her siblings: John, Bob, Katherine, Donnie, Ernie, Kenny and Tom. Her husband, John and beloved daughter, Mary.

Private family services have taken place. Kindly share thoughts and memories with the Alfonso family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Brickways, Hospice or the Peninsula Bible Church Food Pantry.