Marjorie A. (Staaf) Dinnen (aka Marjorie Trumpeter)

Marjorie Anne Dinnen (nee Staaf) (aka Trumpeter ), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1926-2023 Marjorie Anne, 96, died in her home on March 20, 2023 with family by her side. Marjorie was born on September 22, 1926 to Werner and Helen Staaf. She was preceded in death by her four siblings Verna, Happy, Honey and baby brother Michael. She is survived by her sons, Edward (Margaret), Robert (Barb), Michael (Amber), Gerry (Xenia), David (Dawn). And by her grandchildren, Myles, Joshua Munn (Wynne), Molly Ulrich (the late Jeff), Ryan (Julia), Eric (Janet), Mick (Katie), Joseph, Calli Morrison (Zach) Jesse Lane (Emily), Rider (Gina), Laurel. And her great grandchildren, Jonathan, Mason, Milo, Claire, Liam, Luke, Ethan, Oliver, Hailey, Cameron, Lyla, Cobain, Eva and Ian.

Marjorie led a spirited life from an early age and showed a resiliency that would stay with her through all her days. Born in Alexandria, VA, her family moved to Rennerdale, Pennsylvania, when Margie was a little girl. As a child she milked cows, raised chickens, grew vegetables and rode horses and always “kept up with the boys”. She adored and emulated her father, and for a time worked in the family business Chronoflash. She did every job available to her – making letters of metal and pressed enamel, working in the office, sweeping the floors when needed. She had a strong work ethic and found joy even in menial tasks. She did not suffer bullies of any kind and as a child was a fierce defender of herself, her friends and especially her baby brother.

She met and married Edward J. Dinnen (aka Chic). She and Chic bought some property in Rennerdale, where they built a home and raised their five boys. Building a home and family was Margie’s greatest joy in life. Over the years she developed many talents – played and taught piano, was a prolific knitter, a painter, did yoga before it was fashionable and could often be found at her wood working bench in her basement. She “did hair” for eighty-three years (trained at Maison Felix in Pittsburgh) and met her customers’ needs any time of day or night. In later years she became an activist and a member of the NAACP. With her second husband, she had the opportunity to travel the world – Europe and the Middle East, where she often defied the cultural norms (and lived to tell about it).

Motherhood and caring for children was Margie’s true calling, and where she found meaning in her life. In addition to her children and grandchildren Margie cared for numerous others – fostering children and babysitting for many local families throughout her adulthood. She faced every challenge and heartbreak with resiliency and grit – traits she clearly passed on to her sons and now to countless future generations. She was one of a kind and she will be greatly missed. 

In memory of Margie consider planting a tree, adopting a cat, donating to a children’s charity or to a hospice. We are indebted to the hospice team at Bridges Hospice whose skill and empathy brought peace to Margie and her family in her last days. Or just hug a child today in Margie’s memory. She would like that. 

Arrangements by Henney, Bradwell & Nirella Funeral Home, 524 Washington Ave., Carnegie.

A memorial service for Marjorie Anne Dinnen, (nee Staaf), (aka Trumpeter) will be held on Sunday April 30th, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the First United Presbyterian Church of Rennerdale.  There will be a gathering, with a repast and reception, after the service in the social hall of the church.

If you are planning to attend please let me know;  edward.dinnen@gmail.com

The address for the church;

First United Presbyterian Church of Rennerdale

151 Noblestown Rd.

Carnegie, PA  15106

https://www.rennerdalepresbyterian.org/

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