Wilma Marvene Kearns “Margie”

Margie was born in a small town in West Texas to Marvin and Belle Smith. Mom spent her childhood surrounded by her 5 siblings: CB; Henry; Nita; Peggy and Berta, playing, singing, harvesting crops and attending school. Life was hard, but the farm provided food for the table. When the farm and grocery store failed, three of the girls and household possessions made there way to California where their son was stationed in the military. The journey ended in Santa Barbara where they found a place to stay and jobs at Nancy Alice Pie Company. While attending Santa Barbara High School and working at the pie shop, she met sailor Tom at the roller skating rink. Mom was smitten! Tom and Margie spent 75 years together. They raised Nita Kay and Kathy, held jobs in the grocery business and took to the road to get away whenever vacation time came around.

What can you say about Margie Kearns? She worked hard all her life. She was determined to have the things she didn’t have growing up. She loved people. Customers lined up at Mom’s check out stand at Safeway just to talk to her. She was funny. I’m not sure she couldn’t have done stand up. She loved her family, immediate and otherwise. She was loyal to all in her acquaintance. In the 2 years following the death of her beloved, Tommy, she held court in her recliner chair, watching game shows, eating rice pudding and vanilla ice cream, calling Glenna and planning what she was able. A woman warrior ahead of her time. We all loved you so much.

Margie is survived by Nita and Kathy, sisters Berta and Peggy, granddaughter Natalie (PBG), Nat’s Beau, great grandchildren Isla, Finn and Pearl, her BFF Glenna, numerous beloved nieces and nephews and the many friends and acquaintances who touched her life.

Services at Goleta Cemetery to be announced.