Marjorie A. (Menz) Trainor
HUDSON, NH – Marjorie A. (Menz) Trainor, RN, 91, longtime resident of Tewksbury, MA and Manchester, NH passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Inn at Fairview on February 11, 2015 following a period of declining health. Marjorie was the beloved wife of the late John T. Trainor who passed away in 1997.
Born on January 26, 1924 in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late George and Rose (Bieler) Menz.
Marjorie was a true Renaissance woman. Like many in the “Greatest Generation”, her path was shaped considerably by the events of the Depression and World War II. She was raised in a large, loving family whose life situation was somewhat spared by her father’s work as a Boston firefighter. The family was generous in sharing their time and resources with new family immigrants and friends. This environment fostered a spirit of caring for others that was to continue throughout her life.
After graduating from high school at age 16, Marjorie eventually began training as a nurse at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital (now Boston Medical Center). When the U.S. declared war, she transitioned into the newly formed Cadet Nurse Corps in one of their first classes. After graduation, she was transferred to the European Theatre for 15 months as part of a replacement medical group which relieved the doctors and nurses who had provided medical support to the Allies during the battles in North Africa. Her primary areas of service were in Naples and Leghorn, Italy, where she cared for wounded soldiers. Following her return from Europe and demobilization, she remained in the Army Reserves and also served as a civilian nurse in the San Francisco area which remained her lifelong favorite city.
Marjorie returned to Massachusetts to earn her Bachelor of Science degree at Boston University and rejoin Army active duty. During this period of service, she met her future husband, CWO John Trainor. Following their marriage in 1952, Marjorie resigned from active duty and turned to raising a large family. Over the years, the family followed John’s Army career with assignments in Germany, Japan, Korea, Texas, and New England. Marjorie continued her caregiving ways in positions which included school nurse. In addition, over the years she cared for several family members during periods of extended illness. The family settled in Tewksbury in 1966 and Marjorie began work at Winchester Hospital, rising to a much-loved role as head nurse of a medical/surgical unit from which she retired in 1978. Always the dedicated nurse, she was an active participant in the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study for over three decades. Throughout her life, Marjorie had a passion for cooking and baking, providing many memorable meals to family and friends.
During retirement years, Marjorie and John spent time with their grandchildren and traveled throughout the U.S. visiting family and friends. Marjorie enjoyed planning and caring for the perennial gardens at their home while John tended to the vegetable garden. In 1995, they moved to Manchester, NH and following John’s death in 1997, Marjorie continued to travel including trips to Europe and Hawaii, a destination she particularly enjoyed during the winter months.
She is survived by one sister, Rosemarie McLaughlin of Reading, MA, three stepchildren, Capt. John Trainor, USCG (Ret) and his wife Kathleen of Gainesville, VA, Robert Trainor and his wife Nancy of Westlake Village, CA, Rosemary Walker and her husband Brian of Clermont, FL, four children, Marjorie Christen and her husband Roland of Rockford, IL, Lt. Col. Thomas Trainor, USAF (Ret) and his wife Deborah of Roseville, MN, Karen Mercer and her husband Edward of Hudson, NH, Patricia Rauseo of Tewksbury, MA, nine grandchildren Christopher Trainor, Kelly Rousseau, Jennifer Trainor, Kim Harzog, Dina Duran, Faith Walker, Jonathan Mercer, Julie Rauseo, Joseph Rauseo, eleven great grandchildren Riley, Justin, Allison, Gabriela, Olivia, Jessica, Ryan, Natalee, Connor, Alexander, Penelope, many special nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers Edward and Paul Menz, sisters Eleanor Menz, Katherine Scholl, Louise Fraher, grandson Matthew Mercer, granddaughter Lauri Trainor, and son-in-law Kenneth Rauseo.
The family is grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided to Marjorie by doctors, nurses, and staff over the years, especially the caregivers of The Inn at Fairview where Marjorie lived since July 2014.
Calling hours are Tuesday, February 17, from 4-8 PM at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Her funeral will be held Wednesday, February 18, at 9:30 AM from the funeral home, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marjorie’s memory may be made to the Women’s Memorial Foundation, Dept. 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560 or Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.