Marjorie Ellen Grate

Marjorie Grate, 93 years old, passed away on September 25, 2017, in Sacramento, California.  She was born August 25, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan, to Ralph and Hazel Cunningham.  She is survived by her son Peter Grate (Fatima), daughter Liz Ota (Kenji), daughter-in-law Donna Holland, and granddaughters Rachel and Brenda Grate.  Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Richard Grate; her son, Bill Grate; and her sister, Louise Siegmund. 

Marjorie graduated from Antioch College and briefly worked as a secretary at the Fisher Body Company, where she met her husband.  They moved to California in 1958 when Richard started work as an aerospace engineer.  In 1965, the family settled in Camarillo, where Marjorie lived for 48 years and developed many dear friendships.  She earned her teaching credential in 1969 and taught at Los Nogales Elementary School for 15 years.  In retirement, Marjorie volunteered for the Camarillo library and was an active member of the Democratic Club, reflecting her lifelong passion for education and liberal politics.  She moved to Sacramento in 2013 to enable Liz and Kenji to oversee her care.  She was an avid reader of mysteries and loved to sing.At her request, there will be no services. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the Nature Conservancy.