Marjorie Pattee Athey, 82, of South Bend, IN, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 with her family at her bedside. Born February 7, 1938 in Verona, NJ, Marge is predeceased by her parents Walter E. and Virginia Elizabeth (Umsted) Pattee and her late husband of 50 years, Ronald A. Athey. She is also predeceased by sister Patricia and brother Walter E. Pattee Jr.
A self-described character, Marge was happiest on her riding mower, exercising with her friends at Memorial Health & Lifestyle, shopping at Aldi’s or holding Itty Bitty Kitty. A mom to everyone, Marge loved to feed people and hear about their day. Her home was affectionately known as Camp All-Ya-Wanna-Eat. She was especially known for gathering family and friends from near and far for Notre Dame football weekends. Her tailgate parties in the Joyce North Lot were the stuff of legend; always followed by an after-game party and bonfire at her home and Sunday morning breakfast for all.
Marjorie is survived by her brothers, Fredrick Milton “Bill” and James Umsted Pattee; her children, Sharon (Mark P.) Cloghessy of Western Springs, IL; James (Amy) Athey of Lakewood Ranch, FL; David Athey of Albion, IN and his fiancée Tracey Rittenberg; four grandchildren: Brian, Elizabeth, Kaylee and Jeffrey (Samantha Dean); one greatgrandchild, Bennett; her beloved nieces Sarah and Abigail – who were like daughters to her; six grandchildren-at-heart: Paige, Brooke, Brandon, Scarlett, Wyatt and Alex, as well as a host of other loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many neighbors and friends.
Marge was loved and beloved by her family. She left a lasting legacy, teaching each of her grandchildren a special skill: she taught Brian to curse, Elizabeth to drive, Kaylee to drink, and Jeffrey to stand up to bullies. Mom to everyone, friend to all, hostess to anyone who knocked on her door, Marjorie Pattee Athey will leave a hole in our hearts that time may never heal – and that is a lasting legacy indeed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County and The Myositis Association.
There will be a “Christmas in July” celebration of Marge’s life. To send private condolences or to share memories, please visit www.McGannHay.com