Marjorie Fern "Margie" LaRoe

May 9, 1944 - May 21, 2021

Marjorie Fern LaRoe (Margie) was born at Waterman Hospital on Mother's Day, May 9,1945. She was the youngest of three children born to Edna and Clarence LaRoe of Eustis. She was raised at the family home/farm on the eastern edge of Eustis with her older brother Gene and older sister Marnell. She always considered herself a farm girl and took pride in her family and their business and success in the community. Her brother Gene is retired and lives in Eustis with his wife Cordella. Her sister Marnell is retired and lives locally as well. Margie attended Eustis High School before attending college at St. Pete Junior College. For some time she attended and worked for the University Florida as a student and graphic artist. She studied fine arts at U. of Fla. studied under renowned artist Jerry Ulsman. She maintained both her interest and skills in these areas though out her life. She attained a Bachelor's Degree in fine Arts before she left the university. She was a high spirited redheaded girl with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm. She loved animals and always valued them and their care. While in Gainesville she and her husband raised Great Danes for many years. They had many champions during this time were quite successful of the dog show circuit. She eventually moved on to secretarial positions for several companies starting in Jacksonville. A corporate move took her to Texas where she was an executive secretary for several years before returning to Eustis to care for her aging mother. At this time she took a position as secretary to the Lake County School Board and secretary to then Chairman Jerry Smith. She also followed up on her interest in folk music, spurred on by Friday night music played at the Eustis Street Grill. After several years she retired from the school board and focused on art, music and her writing and storytelling interests. She sang well and played percussion. She and her partner Joel Kelley ran the radio show called 'The Florida Folk Music Review' for several years and participated in folk festivals though out the state. Margie was an active member of the Friends of Florida Folk and was a volunteer and performer for twenty years at the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, The Will McClain Festival, The Lake County Folk Festival and the Florida Folk Festival as volunteer, MC, and performer. Her flashing red hair and dazzling smile were trademarks as a performer, friend, sponsor and organizer. Ms. LaRoe became a Board Member at the Trout Lake Nature Center and was the longest standing member at the time of her passing. She donated time, money, service and art work at the center and was highly regarded for her energy and her help with many projects. She well liked and loved by all who knew her. She was an avid gardener worked long hours planting flowers and caring for them at her home. She is survived by her partner of 25 years, Joel Kelley, her brother Gene and his wife Cordella, her sister Marnell Hayes, and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren in the family. It has been requested that any flower donated be living so they can be planted in her memory. Any donations are to go to Trout Lake Nature Center 520 E. CR 44, Eustis, FL 32736. Memorial Services will be held in the Hamlin & Hilbish Chapel on Wednesday, May 26th at 11 AM with Rev. Mario Bolivar officiating. To view the service online, click the link below at service time or anytime after: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/54667