Obituary of Marjorie Ellen Wilkes

Wilkes, Marjorie E. of Takoma Park, MD on July 3. Commonly known as Meg, she is survived by Lyndon, her husband of 46 years, her mother Mary Goodell, daughter Christina Wilkes, son-in-law Jose Toasa, cherished grandson Francisco Toasa-Wilkes, sister Mary Frances Sweeney, and brother James Goodell. A Boston native, Meg was a registered nurse who loved both art and the performing arts, antiques, cleaning, gardening, shopping, traveling and volunteering. Meg's work ethic was unparalleled; she took great pride in every single thing that she did and never believed in doing anything "half-way." Meg loved working in her front gardens, both to help beautify the neighborhood and for the opportunity it provided to catch up with neighbors and friends. After retiring, Meg was very committed to volunteer work at Meals on Wheels and Shepherd's Table. Meg grew up in a family of very modest means and as result always had tremendous empathy and displayed much generosity towards those in need. One of her favorite sayings was, "If you think you're having a bad day, someone else is having a worse one." Meg enjoyed traveling to unfamiliar places, both near and far, and particularly enjoyed visiting the different regions of the UK and America's National Parks. She never passed up a gift shop, and always returned home with a work of art. Often it was a painting, a piece of jewelry, a Native American tapestry or wood carving, and once a giant metal dinosaur that inhabits her front yard and delights the children of a nearby pre-school. Meg quietly, but fiercely battled cancer for nearly four years with a positive and determined attitude. Even in her final hours, her will to live and her fighting spirit never diminished. A funeral service will be held for her on Tuesday, July 10th at 11:00 AM at the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, 310 Tulip Ave., Takoma Park, MD. A one hour viewing period will precede the service at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at the Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park, MD or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Boston, MA.