Page created by: John Ellis

Born in Vienna, Austria on November 20, 1920, as Margarete Maria Helena Wolfer to Maria and Herman Wolfer. She pursued an education that included the mastery of three languages (German, English, and French). Throughout her life she was an accomplished pianist and had a love for all animals, especially dogs.

Following the Nazi occupation of Austria during World War II, Margie met John (Jack) Ellis, a doctor and medical Lieutenant Colonel for the United States Army during the War. On September 7, 1946, they were married at the Parish Breitenfeld Catholic Church in Vienna. Margie and Jack came to the United States in April 1947, and initially settled in Salinas, California.

Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Taft, California, when an opportunity presented itself for Jack to take over a small but successful medical practice. It was in Taft, that she would make their home and nurture her loving and growing family. Margie was a devout Catholic, faithfully serving the parish of St Mary's. In 1976, Margie's beautiful mother, Maria, came from Vienna to live with them until her death in 1996. This was a dream come true for Margie; to have her mother in Taft with her, as she had written at least one letter to her every week for 29 years!

Margie's greatest treasure was her family; the couple was blessed with seven children, 10 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildern so far.

Margie passed away on December 21, 2017 at the age of 97. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in her mid-80's, which ultimately took a toll on her general health and affected her ability to speak clearly. She lived a full life, rich in love, but the quality of her life in her later years was diminished by the onset of Parkinson's disease.

She took the drug Sinemet; it's benefit - to help slow down the progression, and reduce the symptoms of the disease; but Margie's hope (and ours) is that there will be something more effective in the future. We believe the Michael J. Fox Foundation can be instrumental in the research toward the effective treatment, and possibly the prevention, of Parkinson's disease.

We hope you will join us in honoring Margie's memory and her battle with Parkinson's by making a donation here toward the research, treatment, and a possible cure of this disease.

Thank you,
The Ellis Family