Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Mrs. Margaret Bronkey, of The Dalles, OR, died peacefully on March 12, 2018 at the age of 100. Marge was born on July 8, 1917 in Scotia, MO. Her parents, John and Linnie Adair, moved Marge and her two brothers and sister to Coburg, OR when she was 10 years old. She attended the University of Oregon and received her teaching degree from Oregon Normal School. Marge had a memorable 25 year teaching career in The Dalles, OR.
In 1938, Marge married Vernon Bronkey and the couple had three children: Gary, Susan, and Deborah. They moved to The Dalles in 1956, her home for over 60 years.
Marge Bronkey was one of the original founders of The Discovery Center, a project she proudly volunteered for tirelessly. Her passion for local history was contagious. In retirement she was an avid golfer with a membership in the Oregon Senior Women Golfers. She and Vern escaped Oregon winters, traveling to Hawaii and Southern California. As a couple they entertained and enjoyed a wide variety of special friends. Marge was able to meet her goal of living independently in her own home. She did it her way and her family totally supported her.
Marge Bronkey is loved and missed by her surviving son, Gary and his wife Linda, daughter Susan and her husband Phil McCracken and daughter Debbie and her husband, Chris Hikes; grandchildren Shelly Norvell, Jeff Bronkey, Tam Bronkey, Emmy McCormack, John Hansen, Ariane Donovan, Brad Carpenter and Todd Carpenter. Twelve great-grandchildren also survive.
Marge was predeceased by her husband, Vernon, her parents John and Linnie Adair and her siblings Maurice, Harold, Ben and Edith.
The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff at Harmony Elder Care in Portland who lovingly cared for her.
At her request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Discovery Center are appreciated. Send donations to: The Discovery Center, 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058.
