Delores "DeDe" Elaine Marjama

DELORES ELAINE “Dede” MARJAMA February 28, 1949 – October 29, 2019                   Delores Elaine “Dede” Marjama, age 70, of Maple Grove, MN, formerly of Huntington Beach, CA and Menahga, MN, passed from this life into eternal life on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 in the arms of her daughter and primary caregiver, DeAuna Thayer while a patient at the North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, MN.                 Dede was born on February 28, 1949 in Compton, CA to Herbert and Jean (Davis) Marjama.  As a child, she moved with her family to Menahga, MN where she attended public school and graduated from Menahga Public High School.  Dede loved adventure and as a young woman she modeled for the 7-Up Beverage Company, she loved horses which she trained and showed ever since her father bought her first pony for her when she was just 7 years old.  She also learned about the art of sandblasting from her father.  She was united in marriage to Dennis Michael Thayer.  Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, DeAuna.  They moved to Brooklyn Park, MN where in addition to making a loving home and caring for her baby daughter, Dede worked as a beautician and a switchboard operator.  Later she married William A. Davis in 1976 and they moved to Huntington Beach, CA. where Dede started a Christian Daycare where she ministered to and cared for over 40 children who she loved as her own.  Her love for horses motivated her to breed, train and show top quality performance horses.  Later they moved to Temecula, CA where Dede developed a horse ranch where she used her talents to breed and raise Thoroughbred racehorses and achieved much success at the race track.  Later, she returned with her daughter to the Twin Cities where she has lived since except for several short interims to California and also living for a while in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  In 2002, Dede was diagnosed with cancer and with her normal courage and determination she won the battle she waged against this horrible disease.  Dede was involved with numerous Christian ministries which she supported both financially and with all the energies and talents she could offer. In 2017 her cancer returned and this time she went home to her Savior, Jesus.   Above all, Dede will be remembered as a woman who loved her family, friends and Jesus with all her heart, soul and mind.                 Dede will be lovingly and continually remembered by her daughter, DeAuna Thayer of Coon Rapids, MN, her sister, Kathy (Jim) Anderson of Washington State; her brother, Gorden Marjama of Menahga, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.                 Dede was preceded in death by her parents.                 Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Menahga Assembly of God Church with her longtime friend,  the Rev. Arthur Wood officiating.  Lila Marjama will be the pianist. Special music will be provided as a duet by Lila Marjama and Bev Vokovan who will sing, “In The Garden” and a solo by Lila singing, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”.  Her casket bearers will be: DeAuna Thayer, Gorden Marjama, William A. Davis, Timothy Thayer, Michael Marjama, Danny Marjama, Todd Nordquist and Mike Nordquist.  Interment will be made in the Marjama family plot at the Alajoki Cemetery near Menahga.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday, November 8, 2019 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga and will continue on Saturday beginning one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.  To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.cardinipearson.com