In Loving Memory

Welcome to Marjie "Red" Henderson-Heckler's memorial website. Marjie lived an outgoing and meaningful life. If you're here, she touched your life in some fashion. Marjie was born in Whittier California to Mother and Father Dorothy and Kenneth Henderson. She's now in peace with them, looking down upon those she temporarily left behind- Her Son, Sister, two granddaughters and many other special friends and family who she loved dearly. Marjie lived many wonderful places up and down the west coast. She is lucky to call home a few of the most beautiful places on earth - Yosemite national park, the Central Valley, Big Sur, Mt. Shasta, Seattle, and her final resting place- A park-like home beside millcreek in Salem Oregon. There is truly no better place to pass than in her quiet home on the creek.

Marjie's favorite things are her devotion to Christ, Gardening, exploring the woods, conversation, cheap beer, menthol cigarettes, cats, birds, cheeseburgers, fried fish, spring water, boats, a Honda 90, naps, crochet, baseball, comedy, family and friends. Marjie is a California hippy at heart. Peace, love, Mary Jane, Judge Judy, and the Beatles. Marjie loves all types of music but favors blues and rock and roll. Marjie hates shoes, hot weather, bad water, miracle whip, racism, advertisements, polyester, and non-smoking laws.

Her career life started in and around Yosemite where she waited tables to tourists from around the world in Yosemite Valley. She did similar work at another beautiful place in the sierras, lakeside at the famous Ducey's restaurant and bar in Bass Lake California. It was there, she met the father of her only son, Guido Stauffer. Marjie didn't work again until 10 years later; more restaurant service. In another beautiful city, Mt. Shasta at the Tree House Hotel and Restaurant, she met another man who she'd soon marry, Glen Adams. The two bought a home in Mt. Shasta and Marjie created a beautiful garden and enjoyed her life to the fullest. Sadly, Marjie became a widow and was forced to leave her home. It was after this she reentered the workforce with a new path and passion. Marjie discovered her niche as a care provider for autistic children. Marjie loved this line of work. So much so that she decided to stay in the care industry as long as possible. She worked with the highest level of autistic children and devoted her time to making each day a bit more special for these kids. She continued as a care provider with disabled adults for many years until she retired with a disability of her own. She holds fond memories for those she touched and she yearned for the day she could reunite. I have no doubt she is united now indeed. Marjie was briefly remarried to Chris Heckler and the two of them lived in Coarsegold and Los Gatos California. She loved his last name most, and kept it to the end.

There was no bigger fan of the silly things Marjie did than herself. One of her favorite stories to tell includes the time she took her car to the automotive shop because the she couldn't get the driver door to open. She tried everything possible on her own. For weeks, she entered the car via the passenger side, and shimmied across the seats. Finally, she threw in the towel, and dropped her car off at the mechanic. Later that day, the mechanic called to let her know the repair was completed. The mechanic unlocked the door, solving the problem. Rather than hide in embarrassment, she relished the chance to share her laughter of the situation with all. I am certain Marjie still does not know the word "no". Her last dollar was always offered to anyone in need.

Marjie's cancer played its toll on her body unknown to her for quite some time. Her diagnosis came late, and her wish was live life to the fullest, outside the hospital, in her home. Marjie exceeded her life expectancy by a month. Her final transition was fast, and she passed in peace under the loving care of her family and very good friend.

I welcome you to join in a reflection of life for Marjie on May 20th at 5:20PM with prayer, burgers, candy, cigarettes, coffee, family and friends. We will gather near the creek behind the Jason Lee Manor building at 1551 Center St NE Salem Oregon 97301 at 5:20PM -- prayer, burgers, and song at 5:30 prompt. I ask you to please follow this link to let me know how many you plan to attend so I may order enough food. When you arrive, park as far west as possible. From the west end of the apartment complex, find the creek. Bring your own chair and casual clothes.

THIS WEBSITE WILL REMAIN. PHOTOS WILL BE ADDED AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1ST. PLEASE CHECK BACK AND FIND PHOTOS HOSTED HERE THAT YOU MAY DOWNLOAD AT YOUR LEISURE. THIS WEBSITE WILL REMAIN ACTIVE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. UNDER THE CEREMONIES PAGE YOU WILL FIND 3 SONGS MARJIE CHOSE TO REMEMBER HER.

-Marjie in her garden by the creek, a labor of love. She transformed this creekside bank that was once overgrown with blackberries and hard clay into a gorgeous area to sit, smoke, and enjoy the creek. She was often greeted by beavers, owls, ducks, geese, nutria, salmon, trout, crawdads, birds, neighbors, homeless, grandkids and even a baby mink.