Marjorie “Margie” Lenk Hollish, 88, began charming everyone in Heaven on August 6, 2025. At the time of her passing, Margie was living in Tucson, Ariz., with her husband of more than 58 years, Joe — but her life spanned multiple cities, states, and continents, all of which were positively touched by her presence.
Born on July 23, 1937, in Akron, Ohio, to Joseph and Marie Lenk, Margie graduated from Garfield High School in 1955 and went on to earn a degree in elementary education from the University of Akron. At a time when most women her age were marrying and starting families, Margie forged her own independent path, launching a 35-year teaching career with her first positions in Florida and Ohio. During this time, she also formed strong, lifelong bonds with her nieces and nephews, many of whom considered her their favorite aunt and a second mother.
Margie was a great beauty with no shortage of suitors, and Joe was the lucky one she chose. They married in 1967, when Margie was 29. They lived in Akron and Philadelphia before joining the Peace Corps in 1970. They spent two years in India, in the state of Odisha (then Orissa), in the town of Talcher, where Joe taught machine shop and Margie taught English. At that time, married couples were allowed to join the Peace Corps, but it was uncommon for wives to receive assignments. Margie insisted that if they were going to India, she must work as well — and she did, forging lifelong friendships in the process.
In 1979, Margie and Joe settled in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where they spent the majority of their life together. Margie taught reading at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and third grade at Elmwood Elementary School. She had a special talent for helping children learn to read and develop a love of reading — a gift she shared not only with thousands of students but also with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their families throughout her life. In retirement, Margie and Joe moved to Benson, Ariz., to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Throughout her many travels and moves, Margie was known for nurturing relationships and expressing her love through handwritten cards and letters, phone calls, and, when her vision declined in later years, by using “Hey Siri!” to text. She had a remarkable ability to make conversation and friends wherever she went.
Margie’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. She regularly attended Mass on weekdays and Sundays, and for years, she distributed communion to the homebound and nursing home residents. She often said she couldn’t imagine life without her strong faith and God’s guidance.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marie Lenk; her brother, Joseph Lenk; and her sisters, Gloria Galloway and Darla Lenk. She is survived by her husband, Joe; daughters Christine (Douglas) Frost and Karen; grandsons Alex and Max Frost; granddaughter Shannon Frost; and countless beloved grandpets, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Bari Orozco, Ray Ruiz, and the Catalina Hospice and Cascades teams for their kind and compassionate care during Margie’s final chapter. Services will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) in Margie’s memory online at support.hssaz.org/margie or by mailing a check to HSSA at 635 West Roger Road, Tucson, AZ 85705.
