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Retail News: Marjorie Gleim Dies At 97; Walter J. Cook Jeweler Wins Award July 01, 2015 (0 comments)
In Memoriam: Marjorie Gleim, Gleim the Jeweler
Palo Alto, CA—Marjorie Gleim (left) died peacefully June 19 at the age of 97. She was an instrumental part of Gleim the Jeweler, providing support and guidance to the Palo Alto jewelry store founded in 1931 by her father-in-law, Frederick, and carried on by her husband, Arthur, and daughter, Georgie. Although both Marjorie and Arthur Gleim attended Palo Alto High School, they officially met when Marjorie was hired to work at the University Avenue jewelry store in November of 1941. Their first date was December 7, 1941, and they were married the following February.
Born in North Bend, Oregon, Marjorie was the daughter of Virgil and Georgia Wilson, who moved to Palo Alto in the late 1920s. After attending San Jose State University, she worked for a time at a local yarn shop before applying to Gleim’s. She worked at the jewelry store until the arrival of the couple’s three children, Arthur Jr., Bruce, and Georgie.
Gleim was a longtime volunteer Pink Lady at the Stanford Hospital Auxiliary; a member of the Palo Alto Garden Club, served on the PTA, was a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader, provided flowers for decades to La Comida, and was a fifty-year -plus member of the Needlepoint Ladies, a close-knit group of five women who saw each other through life’s many ups and downs. She also gave quiet support to many non-profits and charities, sending each monthly social security check to a different group.
Marjorie enjoyed her husband Arthur’s professional success as he rose to the highest positions in the jewelry industry, and treasured the longtime friendships with other industry members. Terry Chandler, president of the Diamond Council of America, said on Facebook, “Mrs. Gleim was the very picture of class and grace. She was a kind and gentle spirit. She was my hero. And Mrs. Gleim never missed a chance to challenge me and drill me on my political beliefs. On our hour to two-hour calls she would say, "Terry! How can you possibly believe that?" Eventually she delicately converted me. You will notice that I always refer to ‘Mrs. Gleim’. Early in our friendship she said, ‘Terry, call me Marjorie.’ I told her that I was raised to respect my elders and I could not call her by her first name. Without drawing a breath she said, ‘that's appropriate’".
Gleim was predeceased by both sons, Art Jr. and Bruce, husband Arthur Sr., brother Virgil Wilson, and her parents. She is survived by daughter Georgie and son-in-law George Schumann; grandson Jared Gleim and wife Emma of Perth, Australia, and great-granddaughter Georgia Gleim of Perth; and granddaughter Lisa Gleim and fiancé Daniel Rosales of Oceanside, CA. She also is survived by her sister, Patricia Wilson of Medford, OR; several nieces and nephews and many friends; and Margarita Cruz, her devoted caregiver in the last years of her life.
Contributions in Marjorie Gleim’s memory may be made to Avenidas, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Pets In Need, or the charity of the giver’s choice.
Walter J. Cook Named Best Of Main Line
Paoli, PA—Walter J. Cook Jeweler was voted Best Jeweler of the Main Line and Western Suburbs 2015 by Main Line Today magazine. “Stellar customer service and a top-tier selection have been the mainstays at Walter J. Cook for more than 70 years. Among the most amazing pieces are the custom designs created for high-end clientele,” was the publication’s description of the jeweler.
