Marjorie Horchitz Telleen

May 14, 1930 - October 25, 2025

Marjorie passed away peaceful at her Monte Cedro retirement community in Altadena, we her beloved husband of 73 years Sherm by her side. She was 95.

Marge is also survived by her son Ken Hnottavange-Telleen (Mary Hnottavange-Telleen) of Maine, daughter Karen Telleen-Lawton (David Telleen-Lawton) of Santa Barbara, and daughter Cindy Jenkins (Scott) of San Marino. Her children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren will carry forward her legacy of warmth, generosity, and joyful living.

Marge was born in Los Angeles and grew up in San Marino, graduating from South Pasadena/San Marino High School, along with her sister Annabelle Horchitz Dahl '51. She attended Stanford University, graduating with a degree in Education. College sweethearts Marge and Sherm were married shortly after graduation. Following Sherm's two-year stint in the Army in Fort Lee, Virginia, they returned to Southern California.

Known for her ever-present smile and boundless energy, Marge was the kind of person everyone wanted around. She was the first to volunteer, always with a cheerful spirit and a helping hand. For decades, Marge was an active volunteer, board member and president of the Spastic Children's League of Pasadena. She spent countless hours driving young children to their cerebral palsy therapy and back home again. Her fundraising for the organization was essential to its strength and the opportunities it provided to underprivileged, disabled children.

Marge was baptized as an adult, with her good friend Anne Wycoff as godmother. She held fast to her faith and her promise to God to be a service to others. Her presence and participation in the activities and services of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour was a constant. Marge and Sherm together were instrumental in the development of the Our Saviour Center in El Monte, where at-risk and low-income families have access to a thriving food pantry, emergency temporary housing and youth development programs.

She was a master homemaker, scoring perfect 10s in raising her children and preparing delicious meals. Her green thumb and love for nature made her an exceptional gardener and a dedicated art and garden docent at The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens for over 40 years. Marge loved nothing more than to be outside tending to plants and her family often heard her singing while gardening.

Marge and Sherm's sense of adventure led them to explore nearly 100 countries. Together they were passionate hikers, especially in the desert surrounding their Borrego Springs weekend home. Marge also embraced sports with enthusiasm, competing in golf, tennis, and paddle tennis. She was a belly-boarding phenomenon, challenging the waves in Carpinteria until age 93.

Outlook Pasadena, October 25, 2025