Marge K. Purvis

The family of cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Margaret (Marge) K. Purvis of Bel Air, MD is sad to announce her passing on October 31, 2024, at 95 years old. 

Marge was born on July 11, 1929, to parents Mary (Marjia) (born in Croatia), and Luke (Luka) Klobuchar (born in Slovenia), in Gilbert, Minnesota. After graduating from Gilbert High School, she went on to study nursing. Marge worked as a registered nurse at Anchor Hospital in Saint Paul, MN. She was passionate about her work, and often regaled people with tales of her exciting experiences in the Operating Room. 

Marge met the love of her life and beloved husband Russell Purvis on a blind date with a friend in St. Paul, MN. When Marge first saw Russell walking down the driveway to meet them, she joked to her friend, “I’ll take the other one.” Marge and Russell went on to have six children, John Purvis, Katherine Purvis, Jane Purvis, James Purvis, Jean Purvis and Janice Purvis. 

Marge devoted her life to her family; she was a wonderful mother who was always present, offering support, wisdom, humor and sarcasm, and love in abundance. After her grown children relocated to various places across the country, Marge became an avid world traveler. She especially cherished trips with her children to Slovenia (her “homeland”), Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Russia, and Switzerland. 

After Russell tragically passed away from cancer at the age of 62, Marge became committed to fitness, establishing a consistent three-day a week routine of lifting weights, taking aerobic classes, and swimming at her beloved Bel Air Athletic Club. Known for her gregarious nature and witty and sarcastic sense of humor, Marge quickly became known as the “Mayor” and had been a loyal member for 20 years when the gym closed. At 94 years old, she received a lifetime free membership at the Coppermine Bel Air Athletic Club after a chance encounter with the owner Alex Jacobs motivated him to purchase and re-invest in the property. Coppermine subsequently created the “Marge Membership” -- a free membership for members who are 94 years and older, and t-shirts with Marge’s quote “ARE YOU JOINING THE CLUB?” Coppermine also recently threw a party celebrating Marge’s 95th birthday. When Marge suffered a recent and eventually debilitating fall her first question to the emergency room doctor was “when can I go back to the gym?”

Marge was predeceased by her husband Russell Purvis, and her daughter Jane Purvis. She is survived by her children John Purvis, James Purvis, Katherine Purvis, Jean Purvis, and Janice Purvis; grandchildren Devon Barker and Beatrice Purvis; and great-grandchild Jay Barker.