Marjorie Anna London-Prace
This article was published 3 Mar 2024 by Paul Herman, digital media archivist, West Pasco Historical Society
Born Marjorie Winter to parents Elizabeth and Karl Winter on July 20th, 1934 in Rochester, New York, Marjorie received her nickname “Midge” during her years working for Stromberg-Carlson because of her diminutive stature – being only 5 feet two inches in height. Growing up in Rochester, she married Sidney London in 1953, raised a family and had a successful career. Later in life, Midge met David Prace, who worked at Stromberg-Carlson as an engineer. They were married in 1981 and eventually ended up retiring to New Port Richey in 1994.
Midge was not one to let retirement hold her back. She was a powerful force in her community. Here is a list of some of her more notable accomplishments in the West Pasco area;
- She was a life member of the West Pasco Historical Society for nearly 30 years, serving as President for 2 years. She served as a docent for the Dr. Rao Musunuru Museum & Library for many years. Midge spoke on behalf of the WPHS with a “Timeline of West Pasco” presentation as well as programs on antique purses and the museum’s “half doll” collection.
- She was a member of the Pithlachascotee branch of the Questers – an organization that studies antiques and artifacts – and was president of that group for one year.
- Midge was nominated for Chasco Queen in 2004 and again in 2014.
- She was a volunteer at Community Hospital (now Medical Center of Trinity) for 25 years. Her assignments were runner, wheelchair transporter, concierge and pathfinder. She also served on the volunteer board of directors as secretary.
- She serve for 5 years on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, and participated in family liason and dedication programs to the new families.
- Midge was a librarian for the Avery Branch of the New Port Richey Public Library located at the CARES Elfers Enrichment Center. She was also a member of the Friends of the New Port Richey Library, Pasco County library system, and Friends of the Hacienda Hotel organization.
- Midge was a pollworkier for the Pasco County supervisor of elections and worked on elections for over 14 years. In addition, she served in the Ambassadors program for the supervisor of elections.
- She has been honored to receive the following recognitions;
- The T.O.R.C.H. Humanitarian Award for civic service in 1998.
- Nominated for the Outstanding Citizenship Award at the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce in 2001.
- Received a proclamation from the Pasco County Board of Commissioners for dedication to public service in 2001.
- Community Service Council volunteer of the year in 2002.
- Received special Honorary recognition from the West Pasco Historical Society in 2014.
- Named one of the Outstanding Seniors at the CARES annual gala in March of 2022.
The following obituary for Midge was submitted by her husband, David Price …
Marjorie London Prace (1934 – 2024)
Marjorie (Midge) London-Prace, 89, of New Port Richey, FL. Passed into eternity on February 2, 2024. Born to Elizabeth and Karl Winter on July 20th in the year of 1934, in Rochester, NY, was a little girl who they named Marjorie Anna. She grew up being the first offspring in the Winter and Nolte families and they spoiled her rotten Soon other siblings (sister Jeanne) and cousins came along and reduced her standing to that of a normal Earthling.
Growing up, Marjorie attended East H.S. (go Orientals) and has since attended several reunions. Along with mom Betty, she was a member of Eastern Star and also had Rochester Pioneer status. Summering at Honeoye Lake she grew up learning to swim and sail. This stood her well in later life where she sailed on Lake Ontario, Tampa Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and finally the Gulf of Mexico (think Scrimshaw).
Midge, as she was called by coworkers at Stromberg-Carlson because she was only 5′-2″, worked in a variety of jobs and lived in a variety of places (Rochester, NY; Saco, Maine; Fariport, NY; Tampa, FL; Damascus, MD; and now New Port Richey, FL).
Finally retiring in 1994 she settled down in our fair city, New Port Richey, FL in a lovely community in Gulf Harbors where she lived a Florida-style bungalow. At this time she decided to get busy and joined the West Pasco Historical Society (WPHS), Habitat For Humanity, and later in the year Community Hospital as a volunteer. Twenty five years later she was still with the WPHS, where she served as president for two years, and as a volunteer at Community (now Medical Center of Trinity) where she worked for food.
Midge has been recognized for her dedication by receipt of the T.O.R.C.H. Humanitarian Award for civic service in 1998, nominated for the Outstanding Citizenship Award by the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce in 2001, received a Proclamation from the Pasco County Board of Commissioners for dedication to publi service in 2001, and received the Community Service Council Volunteer of the Year Award for 2002. She was also nominated for Queen Chasco twice.
She is survived by her husband David Prace, her son Richard London, stepchildren Allyson and Terry, her sister Jeanne Stratton, and 8 grandchildren.
(David Prace submitted much of the information contained in this biographical sketch)
