MARJORIE LORRAINE PORTER April 27, 1920 – Nov. 30, 2020

Marjorie Lorraine Porter, beloved friend and cool lady, passed away on November 30, 2020 at the age of 100 years and 7 months.

She lived in Los Alamos for the last three years with her friend Debra Lowenstein.

Margie was born on April 27, 1920 in Oakland, Calif. to Gladys Meyers Gonsalves and Jack Gonsalves. She grew up in Oakland but spent time in northern and southern California.

Margie was an only child and was especially loved by her grandparents Annie May and Daddy Walter. Margie practiced gymnastics as a young girl and excelled. However, from her early years Margie always loved animals. Her pets included dogs, horses, cats, fish, guinea pigs and many others.

Margie’s love of animals led her to open two pet stores in the 1980s. Pets Unlimited was the only pet store in Los Alamos, plus she owned a location in Santa Fe. Many. Los Alamos long time residents still remember her from the store here. Margie loved music as well. Her favorites the last few years were Willie Nelson and Perry Como. Margie’s choices in television were Animal Planet and Turner Movie Classics.

Margie had one child, Jason Balestriere who survives her. She also leaves her dear friend Debra Lowenstein who brought her back to Los Alamos 2.5 years ago to live with her.

Thank you to the Los Alamos Senior Center for their kind care of Margie at the Day Out program. In particular thanks to Gabe whom she adored.

Thank you also to Dr. Robert McClees at Trinity Urgent Care who took good care of her the last couple of years. It was difficult to get care as Margie only had Medicare Part A and the penalty of 10% a year for 35 years was not possible. Dr. McClees is knowledgeable about senior care and was always kind and helpful.

Also, a big thank you to Los Alamos County for the great show on Margie’s 100th birthday drive by last April. The cul-de-sac was filled with lights and sirens and big trucks. The Senior Center as well as friends were all out there. And finally, our friends Janet and Charlie McMillan who photographed the chaos and created for Margie a 100th birthday album.

Margie was a gutsy lady and lived her life as she wanted. She”wanted to be her own girl”, a line from a Tom Petty song. Even when words couldn’t be found, her smile let everyone know she cared. She will be truly missed.

If you would like to make a contribution in honor of Margie’s life a good choice would be the Los Alamos Animal Shelter.