Marjorie Irene Harrington Yakel

At the age of 99, Marge peacefully passed away on April 14, 2024, marking the end of an era for her family.  She now reunites with her parents, Irene Ruth Sweeney and Michael Leo Harrington, along with her cherished siblings: Mary Evelyn (Lloyd) Uhe, Lorrene (Donald) Moermond, James Leo “Jim”/”Harry” Harrington, Donald Joseph “Don” (Verne) Harrington, and Robert Eugene “Bob” Harrington.  Also awaiting her arrival were her sons David Michael Daum and Edward Mark Daum.  Marge is also preceded in death by the father of her five children, Edward Francis Daum, and her devoted second husband, Peter Yakel.

Still “vertical” and brimming with memories of Mom/Grandma/Gigi/Aunt/Marge are her sister-in-law Karen (Jim) Harrington; devoted children and their families: Kathleen (Paul) Ecker, Jane (David Daum) McNally, Carol (Jim) Mauzey, John (Debbie) Daum, Kate (Edward) Daum; grandchildren, Kimberly, Brian, Andrew, David, Kristin, Michael, Amy, Jeffrey, Lindsay, Kyle, and Tim; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.  For many, Grandma was always there.  Even in the nursing home when she wasn’t really there–she was there.  Now we must go on without her.  She will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her.

Marge began her journey in Sanborn, IA, and traversed many paths before settling in the Raleigh, NC area.  Throughout her life, she wore many hats—mother, secretary, waitress, real estate mogul, "poker hostess", cribbage trainer, and Grandma.  Marge married Edward Daum during WWII, and together they embarked on adventures across South Dakota, New Mexico, Texas, and New York.  She then found love with Peter Yakel and shared good times until his passing.  Later, on her own, she lived in New Jersey, Florida, and North Carolina.  She spent her final days at the Clarksville Health and Rehab in Clarksville, VA, surrounded by her loving family.

Though she may not have been a daily presence, every recollection brings forth bittersweet smiles— gatherings at the Harrington Farm, the Outer Banks, Hartley, 4 Fuller Terrace, or Ormond Beach; card games in the gazebo, old farmhouse, and pavillion; hot nights bunking with Grandma above the old farmhouse kitchen; hours of kind and patient cribbage with kids with frequent “one for his nobs” reminders; “being there” to help with the birth of grand and great grandkids; her purse concealing sticks of gum; diverting colorful conversation into everyday words; jockeying for the coveted front seat of her convertible; her love of all things Irish; the mouth-watering aroma of her lasagna; making monkey bread at the beach; newspaper hats, boats, and poppers (noise makers); bags full of old decks of cards; making seashell lamps and mirrors; tooth removal with a doorknob and thread; deboning a chicken in 30 seconds (no wonder she disliked chicken later in life); giving good advice that should have been followed; Baileys and vodka; and her constant quest for a good game of poker or cribbage.

In addition to family, Marge had many friends she enjoyed bowling and playing cards with over the years.  She was an active member of The Raleigh Cribbage Club, playing weekly into her 90s.  She also ran a (low stakes) poker game at the local community center for years.

Feisty and unforgettable, Marge added zest to every family event.  She was admired for her independence and perseverance through hard times.  In each cherished memory, Mom/Grandma lives on—a testament to a life well-lived.  As we reminisce, may we find comfort in the enduring love and joy she brought into our lives.  Let us honor her memory by embracing each moment with purpose, love, and a good game of cards.

We anticipate at least one heartfelt remembrance party (complete with card games), where family can gather to honor and celebrate Marge’s extraordinary life.  Plans will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation in Marge's name to the Lake County SPCA (either via check/money order to 11764 Highway Fifteen, Clarksville, VA, 23927 or via an Amazon purchase at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LO6A687YXYZO ), or to the Patient Advocate Foundation (via check/money order to 421 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666 or the other ways shown at https://www.patientadvocate.org/get-involved/donate ).

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.”  To all who celebrate Marge’s life, Sláinte .

Feel free to add your pictures to Marge’s photo album https://bit.ly/MargeYakel