Marjorie Bauers Bromley

BROMLEY, Marjorie Fowler (née Bauers) 103, passed away, on Friday morning, March 3, 2023, after a brief illness. Over her amazing life, Marjorie was so fortunate to be called by many names. Whether it was Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Grand Aunt, Wife, Mother, “Memo,”, “GrandmaMarge,” Grandma, and/or Great-Grandma, Marjorie personified the embodiment as the voice of reason in an ever-changing world. She was without a doubt the bedrock and foundation to her immediate and extended families. As matriarch to the Bromley, Dean, Graves, and Noehre clans, Marjorie (or Marge) always epitomized dignity, strength, class, reserve, and determination. Although in later years Marge’s eyesight began to deteriorate, her cognitive, recall, and mental capabilities as a centenarian plus three, never once faltered. To commemorate Marge’s 100th birthday with her trip to Napa, CA, the Dean family had special blankets made and embroidered with the slogan, “Marge — Small and in charge!”

Marjorie was born November 16, 1919, in New Orleans, LA. Marjorie was the youngest of two [2] daughters born to Alexander Laurence (Al) and Helen (née Fowler) Bauers. Al Bauers was a talented artist, who started work as a sign and billboard painter, and later retired as a vice-president for General Outdoor Advertising Company. The family moved throughout the course of Marge’s life from New Orleans, New York, Pennsylvania, and finally calling a suburb of Chicago [La Grange] home. Throughout her life, Marge always reflected and fondly talked about how much she loved her visits to Honesdale, PA to visit her mother’s family. The Fowler’s. [Aunts Louise, Olive, Marjorie, and Uncle Walter Fowler] and her grandmother [Ema Jane Crocker.]

Marge and her older sister by four [4] years, Ema Louise (née Bauers] Dean, had a very close relationship. Marge would love to tell the story about how she managed to convince her mother that she should be allowed to “tag along” with Ema Lou and her friends. Much to Ema Lou’s chagrin, she and her friends on more than one occasion, managed to give Marge the slip, to Marge’s youthful disappointment. However, youthful indiscretions became a thing of the past as each sister grew. This was especially true when it came time for Marge to learn to drive. For it was Ema Lou’s beau, Frank Dean, helped Grandpa Bauers instruct Marge on how not to strip the gears on the family roadster.

Marjorie graduated from Cossitt Avenue School (middle school) in La Grange, IL in 1933. Marjorie also attended and graduated from Lyons Township High School, class of 1937. (Ema Lou graduated from Northwestern University in 1937.) Marjorie tried several colleges until she finally settled on Carleton College in Northfield, MN. When the subject matter of Carleton College was mentioned, Marjorie liked to opine about the historical significance of Northfield, MN, with a laugh. When asked, she would remark, “What’s so special about Northfield, MN?” “Well...Jesse James robbed that bank in Northfield in 1877.” Subsequently, Marjorie graduated from Carleton College in 1941.

Sometime after her college years, Marjorie landed employment at Whitaker Paper Company in Chicago, IL. She was the secretary to the president, a Mr. Crocker. (No relation to Marge’s maternal family) As luck would have it, Marge met the love of her life, Frank A. Bromley, Jr., a young paper salesman at Whitaker. On July 19, 1950, wedding bells rang for Marjorie and Frank and the two were married at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grange.

As married life began to take hold, in October 1957, Marjorie and Frank welcomed a new addition to their family, Frank Alexander Bromley. Thirteen months later, in November 1958, Marge and Frank welcomed the twins, Deborah (Debbie) and Marjorie (Marnie). Having three [3] infants in diapers at the same time could be challenging. On more than one occasion, Marge’s liked to say with a laugh and end with a smile, “IF I had it to do all over again — I’d rather have three [3] dogs (Scotties) instead of three [3] kids!!” It was around this time it was rumored, that when all three [3] kids simultaneously were not on their best behavior, or if Frank or either or both of the twins were ill, the family’s pediatrician, (Dr. Norman Welford – who still made house calls) suggested, “Marge, I can’t give you a script, but I prescribe no more than 2 martinis at the end of day!” (Note: It has been widely confirmed and an almost established fact, that Marge’s brother in-law, (Frank Dean) could make a fantastic martini and were usually served by the pitcher! Therefore, we believe that IF Dr. Welford’s “medical advice” to Marge was true, it was simply a way for Marge to not only medically justify, but to reinforce her position that the 5:00 o’clock ritual, known as the cocktail hour should continue indefinitely!)

All her life, Marge had a genuine appreciation and a love for all dogs. Growing up, she had a Wirehaired Terrier named “Bing.” Later she became enamored with Scottish Terriers and all three [3] Scotties during her lifetime were blessed with having the name “Mac.” Many years later one of Marge’s greatest joys was dog sitting for Marnie and Neil Graves. Starting with “Webster,” “Gus,” then “Cooper.”

Marjorie had to endure many tragic and heartbreaking events during her life. In 1962, Marge had to bear the horrific news that her sister, Ema Louise Dean, had died unexpectedly in McAllen, Texas, at the young age 47. Although Marge still had three young ones at home, she always looked forward to Larry’s visits and Tom’s summer visits to La Grange. In October 1965, Marjorie learned of the death of her father who had suddenly passed away in their family home on Park Street, in La Grange, at the age of 78. In December 1976, Marjorie also learned that her mother had passed away at the age of 92, after suffering several strokes over the preceding years. In February 1977, almost after 27 years of marriage, Marjorie had to face one of the most heart wrenching and difficult events with the sudden death of her husband Frank, at the age of 60. And in 1979, Marge learned of the death of her Aunt Marjorie in Honesdale, PA, at the age of 90.

However, there were still several “firsts” in Marge’s life. Either the late 1960’s or early 1970’s, Marge and Frank decided to take the family on a Thanksgiving holiday trip to Dearborn, MI. What they didn’t anticipate, was that the hotel restaurant and practically every eating establishment in the city was closed for the holiday. There was not one restaurant that appeared open as Marge and Frank ambled along the streets of Dearborn, MI. Finally, they observed a “we are open” sign. Without giving it a second thought, Marge and Frank pulled into the parking lot of the local “White Castle Hamburgers.” Decades later, Marge would smile and positively say, “that was the best Thanksgiving breakfast we ever had!” In 1978 and 1979, she decided it was time to attend her very first “rock concerts.” In 1978, Marge attended with Frank her very first rock concert “YES,” and in 1979, during the height of the disco craze, she also attended with Frank, “Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra.”

In 1991, she sold the family residence on Spring Avenue, in La Grange, and moved into Beacon Hill Independent/Assisted Living, in Lombard, IL. Over the course of the next several decades, Marge took part in several ocean cruises, and always looked forward to the summer family reunions/vacation at Lake George. Marge also took several trips to see Frank in Dallas, and in later years, Frank’s daughter Elizabeth. Between her children, (and later grandchildren) we all jokingly knew, or tried not to place a telephone call during episodes of “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune,” or reruns of “Gunsmoke,” or if Frank called and suggested that a classic movie was now playing on Turner Classic Movies, she may, or may not, answer the phone. However, if the truth were known, Marjorie would always answer and take your phone call at any hour of the day or night. Marge would never decline the opportunity to babysit any of her grandkids. In later years, she was always thrilled for the lunch/dinner dates with her children and older grandchildren. There are so many wonderful stories, memories, and moments that everyone who knew Marjorie can relish and reflect upon with a smile, tear, or a laugh.

From her children – we say – she was our rock and our strength. She never played favorites and loved each one of us equally and unconditionally. Mom was one of the strongest, bravest, and kindest souls God ever placed on this earth. There is no possible way we could begin to quantify the importance she held in each of our lives. It cannot go without saying, she was not only our dearest Mother, but throughout these many long and privileged years, she remained and was always our most dependable and reliable best friend. It is with the greatest of humility that we proudly acknowledge that without her, this wonderful family legacy or future lineage would not continue or exist today. Mom can now rest comfortably knowing that she (and Dad) succeeded in raising all three [3] children with the understanding that with each passing day, we can unequivocally say, “That the older we get – the smarter our parents become!” Finally, as the Bible’s fifth commandment reminds us, “Honour thy mother and father.” From each of us, and until our final days, that commandment will always be front of mind, and the one that we shall always remember and cherish. Until we all meet again Mom – “Cheers!”

Marjorie leaves behind 3 Children: Frank Alexander Bromley; Deborah "Debbie" Ann (nee Bromley) Noehre; Marjorie "Marnie" Ann (nee Bromley) Graves;

Marjorie leaves behind, 7 Grandchildren: Robyn Bromley (nee Graves) Lytle; Holly Ann Graves; Trace Allen Noehre; Matthew Frank Noehre; Alexandra Amy Graves; Samantha Marjorie Noehre; Elizabeth Anne Bromley

Marjorie leaves behind 4 Great-Grandchildren: Sunny Joy Lytle; Emmy Lou Lytle; Beau Bromley Lytle and Mason James Blake

Marjorie also leaves behind 2 nephews: Alexander Laurence (Larry) Dean, (Family & Extended Family)

and Frank Thomas (Tom) Dean, (Family & Extended Family)