Marjorie F. Hauenstein

Marjorie Mae Hauenstein, age 91 of Kettering, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017 following complications from a stroke. Marjorie was born May 29, 1926 in Auburn, Maine to Frederick and Ellen Ford. The events of her life would prove pivotal in shaping Marjorie into a strong and independent woman, one who persevered against adversity but who often struggled to let others in. In the final months of her life, Marjorie reached out to her family, and those memories will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her. Her mother, Ellen, passed away when Marjorie was only 12. The middle child of 3 and the eldest girl, Marjorie was thrust into the role of running the household. She assisted in caring for her younger sister, Nancy, as well as her older brother, John, who suffered from epilepsy. Frederick Ford looked to his daughter to carry out the dreams hed had for his son. Marjorie was the first woman to apply to Tufts Universitys School of Engineering, where she faced stiff opposition at times from her male counterparts and professors. Despite these challenges, she participated in an accelerated program and graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in chemical engineering in 1946 at the age of 20. After receiving her degree, Marjorie went to work for Monsantos Mound Laboratories in Miamisburg, Ohio. There, she completed nuclear research for the Atomic Energy Commission during the Cold War. While working for Monsanto, she met Alan Hauensteinalso a chemical engineer who was completing work on the trigger mechanisms for atomic bombs. The two married in December 1948. Marjorie resigned from her positionwhich had evolved into nuclear editorial research-- in 1951 to start a family. The couple struggled financially and emotionally as Alan battled alcoholism, and ultimately divorced in 1964. Marjorie supported her three children as a single mother, and therefore re-entered the job market, first at Good Samaritan Hospital as a technician who assisted doctors performing open heart surgery. Eventually she progressed to an editorial review position at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. In 1965, she met her eventual partner, Stan Boyd, who was employed as a librarian. The two remained in a relationship for the remainder of her life but never married despite numerous proposals by Stan because Marjorie decided she would never again give up control to another person. Shed learned to depend on no one but herselfa mantra shed keep until her death. Marjorie eventually went back to work for Monsanto, where she completed work as a technical editorretiring in 1988. Following her retirement, she traveled the world: China, Turkey, Greece, Thailand, New Zealand, Europe and Australia. She remained in close contact with her children, especially her daughter who married and settled in the Dayton area. As she aged, Marjorie maintained her independence, and was in attendance for her great-grandson Jackson Olsons first birthday in April. Her loved ones will forever cherish those moments of smiling and laughter. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Helms. She is survived by her partner, Stan Boyd, and her children and their spouses: Lisa and Jim Lander of Dayton, Ohio; Stephen and Jane Hauenstein of Jacksonville, Fla.; and David Hauenstein of Detroit, Mich.; along with six grandchildren and their spouses: Juliette and Chris Schmalhofer; Jay and Sarah Lander; Jessica and Jason Olson; Jennifer and Chris Hadden; Laura and B.J. Martin; and Leia Lander. Shell also be missed by her five great-grandchildren: Rosemary, Colleen and Heather Schmalhofer, Jackson Olson and Ty Hadden, and many other family members and friends. Marjorie will be interred at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, Maine, beside her beloved mother, father and brother. A memorial gathering will be held July 22 from 1-3 p.m. at Concord United Methodist Church, 1123 S. Main St., Englewood, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in honor and memory of Marjorie Hauensteina breast cancer survivor. A page has been setup in her name: https://give.bcrfcure.org/fundraise?fcid=1021639

Funeral Home:
Funeral Services
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429