Marjorie Jane Olman Strumer

Marjorie Jane Olman Sturmer passed away peacefully at her home on June 5, 2017, at the age of 94. She was born in New York City on October 31, 1922, to Abe Olman, a songwriter and music publisher, and Peggy Parker, a vaudeville entertainer. At an early age she often traveled with her mother on the vaudeville circuit. After graduating from Julia Richman High School, she then pursued a dancing career. During World War II, she toured as a solo act with the USO and later as one of the Castle Sisters. At Fort Benning, GA she met her future husband Barry, who was coordinating the Army shows. They started dating after the war and were married on August 27, 1950, at the Waldorf Astoria; the wedding reception was more of revue as many family and friends were retired performers. In 1951 they moved to Myrtle Beach, SC to start a business and family. They owned the first men’s clothing store in the area, Barry Sturmer A Man’s Shop, and served customers throughout the Grand Strand. They were actively engaged in the community helping to organize the first Sun Fun Festivals, Canadian-American Days, and other events that promoted the small beach town during the 1950-60’s. She raised a family of three and was involved in their various school activities, Scouts, and swim teams. In the 1970-80’s, she worked as a librarian for St. Andrews Catholic School and a bookkeeper for a local accounting firm. Retirement brought travel, time spent at a second home in Palm Springs, CA, and visiting her children and grandchildren. Marjorie will be remembered for her commitment to animal causes, passion in her political beliefs, and ability to live independently in her own home up to months prior to her death. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years and son-in-law, Chris Taiani. She is survived by her daughters, Leslie Noel Taiani of Cedar Key, FL and Karlyn Adele Sturmer (Nannette Coco) of Newtown, CT; son, Barry Olman Sturmer (Jacquie) of Mount Pleasant; four grandchildren, Andrea (Andy Anderson), Barry, Maria, and Mattie; two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Ellie; sister, Carolyn Olman of Los Angeles, CA, and her sons, Adam and Brian; and beloved rescue cat Key Key. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, June 11, at the McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach to be followed by a reception. Contributions can be made in Marjorie’s name to the Grand Strand Humane Society, 3241 Mr. Joe White Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. An online guestbook is available at www.msfh.net.

Marjorie Jane Olman Strumer

October 31, 1922 - June 5, 2017