Marjorie Cooke
Marjorie "Marge" Cooke-Bartsch, born 23 April 1939, is a Canadian-born American member of the Cooke family. Her brother is Lloyd Cooke.
Early life in Winnipeg
Marge was born to Gladys Cooke in 1939.
Marge grew up in Fort Garry, Winnipeg, where her father Ernie Cooke served as Superintendent of the Canadian National Railway car shops in Fort Rouge. When she was nine years old, her family moved one street over from Lucy Currie and her husband Jack Currie. At that time, the Curries' son Bill Currie was in first grade, Doug Currie was slightly older, and Ron Currie was a baby.
The families lived near each other for five years, seeing each other almost daily. During this period, Marge played with Ron and babysat him. When Lucy had surgery, Ron stayed with Marge's family for several days. All the Cooke cousins were close during this era, with frequent family gatherings, sing-songs, and dinners. Communication became difficult after families dispersed from Winnipeg, as long-distance calling was expensive and correspondence was limited to letters.
In 1952, Marge's parents Ernie and Gladys moved themselves and their three to Toronto.
San Francisco (circa 1970–1977)
Marge lived in San Francisco, where she worked at Stanford Children's Hospital. In 1970, Ron Currie visited and stayed with her. Lucy and Jack Currie also stayed with her in San Francisco for a few days during this period.
In approximately 1976, she married Lynn Bartsch in San Francisco. Lucy Currie attended the wedding. The wedding cake was Grandma Cooke's fruit cake, covered in almond paste and white icing. When the almond paste hardened and the kitchen staff could not cut it properly, Lucy went into the kitchen, took charge, and ensured the cake was cut and served correctly.
Los Angeles (1977–1992)
Approximately one year after their marriage, the couple moved to Los Angeles, where they lived for fifteen years. In 1978, Ron Currie visited and stayed with them; he enjoyed spending time with Marge's friends.
Their two sons were born in Los Angeles:
- John Bartsch (born December 1978)
- Carson Bartsch (born December 1981)
Denver (1992–present)
In 1992, the family relocated to Denver, Colorado, where Marge continues to reside. Both sons also live in Denver. John works in wealth management at KeyBank, is married, and has three children: twins Ayden and Addison (born circa 2020) and Emily (born circa 2022). Carson owns a painting company, is married, and has no children. John and Carson are second cousins to Michael Currie.
Later contact with the Currie family
Marge attended the wedding of Ted Cooke and Denise in Newfoundland, where she had a memorable visit with Jack and Lucy Currie.
She attended Ron Currie's 70th birthday party with Joann Foot, where she met Michael Currie and discussed his competitive ballroom dancing, later watching some of his competitions online.
Travel
Marge visited Thailand in 2005 for approximately three weeks.
Sources
[1] Email from Marge to Michael Currie, 2020