"Cousin Marjorie was a kind a generous person She is the one who got my mom interested in playing the harp and in turn I also learned. Later in my life she also provided for me to learn some Hawaiian sign language dances, while I was in Hawaii. After my mom died and our family moved to Mo. we kept in touch she even ask me to help her with a deep concern about a couple of her grandchildren. I sent her what she needed and she thanked me profusely. The information was about suicide and how many ppl have tried but failed and ended up in rehab with half a brain our something else just as serious. I?m pretty sure it helped them. Thank you Cousin Marjorie for Caring so much about everyone. Would love to reconnect with my cousins."
In loving memory of
Marjorie Z. Tayloe
February 15, 1930 - April 2, 2017
Marjorie Z. Tayloe, age 87, of Dubuque, IA and formerly of Solvang & North Hollywood, California, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2017, surrounded by members of her family. To honor Marjories life, private family services are being held prior to her interment at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.
Marjorie Zaerr Tayloe didnt harp on it, but she made outstanding cultural contributions throughout her lifetime. She had plucked harp strings and sung in 21 countries, 48 states, before five U.S. presidents, the Queen of England, the Queen of Denmark, the President of Paraguay, celebrities and other heads of state. Like the early mistrals who roamed the countryside, Marjorie followed their pursuit, traveling extensively with her harps. She had performed with the BBC, the International Eisteddfod of Wales at Llangallon, and many summers at the Hollywood Bowl in California. Marjorie played for more than 1100 weddings. For thirteen years every Monday night, Marjorie played the great Kimball Pipe Organ for a Los Angeles radio station. Winning voice scholarships from the Liverette Opera Academy gave Marjorie an incentive to coach many promising musicians to win scholarships, prizes and lead successful lives.
The Tayloe Family of seven (all natives of Southern California) Mary Ellen, David Chester, triplets Sarah Lee, Susan Marie and John Danny, Mom and Dad sang, played harps and rang Old English Hand Bells that brought musical joy to audiences for 15 years. The family presented over 700 performances and traveled in a motor home all over the U.S., the British Isles and Europe. When the children were infants, in order for Marjorie to keep up her harp practice, she would carefully move a harp into the nursery and played through her practice routine. One by one the children would drop off to sleep.
Being an invited guest on numerous television programs, being interviewed by newspapers and magazines were part of her routine. Once in a while you would find her playing with a symphony orchestra. She is listed in the International and American Whos Who, 2000 Musicians of the World. She was a longstanding member of both the American Pen Women and the D.A.R..
Marjorie had a passion for music and a gift for passing it on. She believed the love of music is caught as well as taught, for good music enriches our lives, controls stress, and she was always harping about Gods love.
Marjorie is SURVIVED by her five children, Mary Ellen Stevens, Dubuque, IA, David Chester Tayloe, Nashville, TN, Sarah Lee Tayloe, Dubuque, IA, Susan Marie Tayloe, Walnut Creek, CA,
and John Danny Tayloe, Moorpark, CA,
and her fourteen grandchildren,
Melissa Stevens, Johnathon Stevens, Bethany Stevens, Matthew Stevens, Emily Potter, Hallie Rogers, Dona Rogers, Khloe Starits-Tayloe, Wesley Ware, Corey Craig, Angellina Tayloe, Shane Tayloe, Brittany Tayloe and Chase Tayloe.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her loving and faithful husband, Ralph Chester Tayloe, and her parents.
Online condolences may be left for the family at CelebrateLifeIowa.com
Tributes
"I had a lovely conversation with Marjorie a number of years ago. She sent me copies of a few of her books and they have been enjoyed by myself and several of my students. How many books did she publish, are they still available? Wishing the family good memories and good stories to share! Sincerely, Denise Grupp-Verbon Toledo, Ohio"
"Lots of wonderful memories with Marjorie and family. My parents were Glen and Elise Bonds. Marjorie played her harp at our wedding 11/23/54 in Pomona, CA Enjoyed a nice visit with her in Solvang in 1999. Always looked forward to her newsy Christmas cards. Her children were so special to her and Ralph. May God give you Peace and Comfort. Emalie Bonds Bresee"
"Marjorie and Ralph were like surrogate parents to me when I moved into the Santa Ynez Valley. They made sure I was doing all right, and set a good example as people who followed and loved Jesus. They helped me settle into my new home and Marjorie even sewed my living room curtains. Marjorie was such a special and determined person. I miss them, but know she and Ralph are celebrating ahead of us in heaven."
"Upon Marjorie's passing, I offer my condolences to all of her family. I recall having lunch with Marjorie and Ralph in Solvang years ago in the late 1990s and we met many times after that. After they moved to Iowa, we met there in Dubuque back in 2007 for a few days. I heard from them at Christmas for many years. They were super friendly people. I've just hosted a family of three from Denmark who I found through genealogical research. It was Ralph who suggested that I investigate my Danish roots. I began six years ago in earnest with the project and I've found about 70 people. I listened to Marjorie playing the harp a number of times. I would like to conclude by sending my best wishes to all of Marjorie and Ralph's family. Finn Mortensen Santa Barbara, CA"
"Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much to us. -Mary Ellen"
"I appreciate the wonderful memories and kind words. Thank you!"
"Thank you for your memory and kind words!"
"I have some wonderful memories of Marjorie. We lived across the street from each other on the Griffith Ranch in Azusa, Calif. We cousins had lots of fun together. I remember our mothers working on quilts under the palm trees. We kids would play hid and seek under the quilt. Our families spent many summer camping in Yosemite. We had lots of fun at the night camp-circles, the rangers told us stories about Yosemite, we sang songs and watched the fire fall. What wonderful times we had. She will be missed."
"I remember the friendship that my father, Hugh Moore, had with Marjorie and Ralph back when he was teaching at LA Valley College. We got to enjoy not only your mom's harp playing, but you (the kids) playing bells! Such fun times and good memories! My dad passed away last May and my mom passed 10 years ago, so I know they are having a joyous time in spirit now - laughing, enjoying each others' company and being surrounded with beautiful music. Lots of love to you all! Pam Moore (daughter of Hugh Moore)"
"Marjorie loved the Lord and was so joyful and humble. We met her when my husband was officiating a wedding she played in. She found out I had played the harp when I was younger, but no longer did because I did not own a harp. She offered to teach our young daughters to play and supplied them with a "Rotary scholarship" and small loaner harps. She only asked that they be harp playing angels in the Solvang Nativity Pageant that she led each December. I found out later the scholarship was her really her generous heart and sacrifice of time.One of our daughters went on to be a harp major in college! We are so grateful to have known her and her love for all! Blain and Sherrie Gibbs Solvang CA"
"Marjorie played for my daughter's wedding at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens ten years ago. I LOVED listening to her play the harp. We talked about her teaching me how to play the harp, and every time I drove by her home and saw the sign for Harp Lessons, I wanted to stop and get started on learning how to play. She was a delightful woman. My condolences to her family. She was a wonderful lady, full of fascinating stories and experiences.
Sue"