Maplewood History: Marjorie and Bob – How Did Their Story End?

For those who have been following my blog this is the tenth post of photographs from the collection of Matt Irwin.  In the beginning we saw photos from the lives of Marjorie’s parents, Albert Slavik and Talitha Wuellner. We saw photos of their weddings, their travels, their friends and family. Since they took far fewer photos than we do today we have been lucky enough to view this encapsulated essence of their lives.

Earlier I was uncertain but now I believe Bob survived the war. The album has only two photos of him following the ones where he is in uniform. The photos were taken in 1948. See also: Bob Irwin in Service to Our Country During WWII

Thanks to the research of Sherman Shewmaker we have more information about Marjorie. The information below is from the Find A Grave website and was entered by “Matt”. I don’t know if this Matt is the same as the Matt Irwin who generously has provided these photos.

Marjorie Louisa Slavik Irwin was born April 1, 1918 in Maplewood and passed away on June 6, 1997 in Warson Woods. The following text is exactly as Matt has written it.

Born in April 1918 to an affluent St. Louis County pioneer family, (Slavik-Wuellner), Margie was best known for her charm and ability to make everybody smile. Her laughter could get the best of anyone, even if in a foul mood. Socially, she may have withdrawn in later years, but her effervescence of life is one not to be forgotten.

A seasoned world traveler, she made southern California, France, Switzerland, Italy, England and Spain her home. Always returning to her native St. Louis, her impressions as a kindly neighbor, confidant & a compassionate soul will remain with us forever.

A popular family story is best recalled upon Margie’s arrival in Majorca, Spain (1967) she was greeted by a small dog that wanted to play with her tea-cup poodle, Beau. Upon meeting the dog’s owner, she found that it was none other than that of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie.

The following days resulted in attendance with his entourage & many delightful afternoon teatimes were spent watching the two dogs play on the grassy greens before them.

Although unbeknown to most, she had a great eye for the decorative arts. Her personal collection, although small by others of the era, is a great treasure of artifacts relished by her remaining family.

Her passing at 79 years of age was a sudden and tragic event.  Gone was our Matriarch, Mother, Grandmother & best friend.  Margie is a soul and spirit that will not (sic) be missed, yet continues to inspire all of us in our daily endeavors. We miss you “Big”.

That’s the end of Matt’s eulogy. There is a photo that shows that Marjorie is buried next to her parents. The location of Bob’s grave is unknown. See also: Maplewood History: Young Marjorie Louisa Slavik