Marjorie Rose DeMaison Brinker, age 78 of Edinboro, died Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in Punta Gorda, FL where she and her husband were visiting. Born October 8, 1932 in Frenchtown, Crawford County, she was one of four daughters of the late Walter and Blanche Echonoz DeMaison.
Marjorie grew up on a farm in Frenchtown and lived for a time in Meadville before her family moved to Franklin. While a student at Franklin High School, she met her future husband John E. Brinker, and after graduating, they were married April 26, 1952.
For all their married years together, Marjorie and John were partners in owning and operating several different businesses. After moving to Edinboro in 1959, they themselves built the Cloverleaf Motel and operated it from 1960 until their retirement in 2009. Over the years they also operated a general contracting business, the first garbage hauling business in Edinboro, and Brinker’s Mobil Gas Station.
Even though Marjorie often would not have enough hours in a day, she always made a wonderful home for her husband and six children. She was a talented seamstress, making clothing for her kids and even making wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and traveling and camping with her husband and family. Most of all, she enjoyed family gatherings when all the children and grandchildren were around.
As a member of the Edinboro community, Marjorie was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and active in the Altar Society, and for many years she was involved with Weight Watchers where she was able to encourage and help other women.
Marjorie was preceded in death by a son John E. Brinker Jr., a granddaughter Rochelle Brinker, and three sisters, Adelaid DeMaison, Gladys Prenatt, and Annabelle Price.
Family members that mourn her loss include her husband, John E. Brinker; five children: Roger Brinker and wife Annette of McKean, Michael Brinker and wife Debbie of Edinboro, Rose Marie Scouten and husband Bruce of McKean, Melinda Hockenberry and husband Scott of Venango, and Lisa Brinker-Cacchione and husband John of Edinboro; also 15 grandchildren: Christopher, Jamie, Megan, Chad, Keisha, Sommer, Sarah, Zachary, Grant, Louis, Tela, Alec, Makayla, Vincent, and Patrick; 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home of Edinboro, 306 Erie Street, on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A prayer service will begin at the funeral home on Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Lake Church at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Fr. William Sutherland and Rev. Fr. John Jacquel. Interment will follow at St. Hippolyte Cemetery in Frenchtown.
Memorial donations may be made to Our of The Lake Catholic Church, 128 Sunset Drive, Edinboro, PA 16412 or Crawford County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 273, Meadville, PA 16335.
John and Family,
Many years have passed since the last time our paths crossed. And I am so sorry it was an event like this that has them crossing again. My sincerest condolences for your loss of a wife and mother.
Bernie Van Tassel
An ex co-worker at PennDOT
Dear John, Rose Marie, Melinda & Lisa,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since we learned of Margie’s death last week. There are so many pleasant memories of her from the past years. It was always fun and interesting being with her whether we were sitting on the hill across from St. Hippolyte Church at the Ham and Chicken Dinner or if we were having an unexpected visit in one of the aisles at Sam’s Club!! (She was very good at handling that scooter, wasn’t she John?! She didn’t think anything of taking off on it to grab something she had forgotten and then return to finish our visit.)
These past several years have been challenging for Margie as we know they have been for you. It’s not easy to see someone you love struggle to breathe, struggle to live. It’s comforting knowing she’s at peace and enjoying her new life with God and the family who has gone before her. At the same time we feel a sense of loss and sorrow knowing that we won’t share in her physical presence as we continue our earthly journey. God knows and understands these feelings. (Even His Son took time away from the crowds after He learned of the beheading of his cousin, John the Baptist. And weren’t there tears at the grave of Lazerus?) Yes, God does understand. We pray that each of you will feel the warmth and comfort of His presence in the days ahead.
We send our love and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You!
John & Joanie Konzel
Elizabeth Richardson and family extend sympathy to the Brinker/DeMaison families. Margie Rose is in our prayers and hope that God’s love will help you through this time of loss. The Lord will never give you more than you can handle and He will be at your side to help carry this sad burden.
Rose and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Lisa and family–
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
So sorry about your loss. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Lisa, Rose & Melinda,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deepest sympathy to John and family. Marge was a lovely woman.l
Lisa and boys, My prayers are with you in the loss of Mom and Grandma…..She is our newest friend and saint in God’s Kingdom! Love, Lin G
So Sorry for your loss, Rose and Lisa.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky & Tom