Leora Marie McMullen

Marie was born to Leora Carlson and Louis Nichols on May 5, 1923, in Portland. She grew up in the Lents neighborhood, later moving to her family farm in Boring. She attended Franklin High School and then Multnomah College (now part of University of Portland). She met Lloyd at Multnomah before moving to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. While she attended the U of O, Lloyd worked in the Kaiser shipyards before joining the Navy to fight in World War II. Upon his return, they married Jan. 5, 1946, and made a home in Gresham. They built a house on Interlachen Lane and raised four lucky children -- Peggy, Carol, Sandy and Brad – with Blue Lake as their backyard. During this period they were also able to vacation frequently at their Cannon Beach family home, allowing opportunities to spend time with beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and their grandmother.

Marie worked in the insurance industry first in Gresham and later in downtown Portland. She also worked with Lloyd running restaurants in the Portland and Vancouver area.

She was a long-time member of Piedmont Presbyterian Church, especially active in the craft guild, and was a key organizer of the holiday bazaar, plant sale and National Night Out, among other activities.

Marie also enjoyed reading books and the daily Oregonian, doing crossword puzzles and working in her garden. She loved spending time with her family.

Lloyd preceded her in death in 1991. She is survived by her daughters, Peggy McMullen and husband, Mike Acree, of Portland, Carol McMullen and husband, Bill Bahrke, of Bend, Sandra McMullen of Portland, and son, Brad McMullen, of Portland; grandchildren Jennifer and husband, Travis Bizjak, of Vancouver, Wa., Geneva Bahrke of Portland, and Max Brugger and wife, Alyson Kraus, of Portland; great-grandchildren Jasper and Coltan Bizjak of Vancouver, and Elliot and Theo Brugger of Portland; and many well-loved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Piedmont Presbyterian Church. Marie was cremated and is now with Lloyd at Willamette National Cemetery.

Marie was very concerned about the health of our planet – especially global warming – and what kind of world we leave our grandchildren. Those who wish may make donations in her name to groups dedicated to protecting the environment. She also loved her church and donations may be made in her name to Piedmont Presbyterian Church.