Elva Marie Chiara was born Sept. 3, 1915 in Vamoosa Oklahoma. Her parents were William Issac Aldridge known as "W.I." or "Big Wah"(and a County Sheriff) and Effie Dorice Chastain Aldridge affectionately called "Sally" by her husband. The family had lived at several different homesteads through the years mostly in Chandler County Oklahoma. Once the family even traveled to New Mexico by covered wagon. Marie remembered riding with her sister Dee in a sling strung under the wagon.
There were 6 sisters and one brother-Lee. Lee was the oldest followed by Alma, Izetta, Mattie Mae, Maggie, Marie, and Dee. The sisters were always singing and doing everything together. They had a very happy and loving Christ centered family unit that supported them through difficult years.
Marie worked as a sales clerk at the "Five and Dime" stores after she graduated High School. She met Pasquale (Pat) at a bus depot while he was on 3day pass from the Army. The bus gave 1st seats to soldiers so Marie didn't have a seat until Pat claimed her as his wife to gain the valued seat. Pat was swept of his feet by Marie's beauty and personality. On return from leave Pat looked for and found Marie again at the bus depot. Pat , with the determination of a private eye, eventually found out where Marie lived and walked a very long dirt road to surprise her at her home.
Pat and Marie were married Christmas Day 1942 with the Aldridge family in attendance at the Aldridge home. The new bride and groom were assigned to a base in So. Carolina until WW2 ended. They moved to Wewoka Oklahoma where their 1st of 4 sons was born. The little family, shortly after, moved to Long Island N.Y. to live with Pat's family. The little family then moved to San Pedro California close to Marie's sister Izetta. Their second son was born while they lived in Western Terrace overlooking the harbor. The family moved to Lynnwood and lived there briefly before moving into a new home in Lakewood Ca. There, their third and fourth sons were born. Marie was very active in a new growing church First Baptist Church of Lakewood. She was the 3rd grade Sunday school teacher for more than 30yrs, and was very active in the woman's group, "Priscella Circle", quilting sewing, crocheting, and especially knitting all sorts of baby clothes to give to others in need, or for newborns. Marie was always there when someone was in need of emotional, spiritual or even transportation help. Marie never turned down a request for help.
Pat was called to heaven in 1997 after months of loving care from his beloved Marie. After Pat's passing. Marie kept busy in the Church and knitting for Missionaries and baby needs. Recent Political issues not only filled Marie's mailbox and caught the mailman's attention but, also brought out Marie's patriotism as she ask "Where is our country going!". Marie broke her hip shortly after her 95th birthday in September . After weeks of medical care, punctuated by a short and happy stay in an assisted living home, Marie was called to Heaven to once again join her family in joyous songs of praise.
Marie has 13 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild....And many, many endearing family and friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and one grandson.
There were 6 sisters and one brother-Lee. Lee was the oldest followed by Alma, Izetta, Mattie Mae, Maggie, Marie, and Dee. The sisters were always singing and doing everything together. They had a very happy and loving Christ centered family unit that supported them through difficult years.
Marie worked as a sales clerk at the "Five and Dime" stores after she graduated High School. She met Pasquale (Pat) at a bus depot while he was on 3day pass from the Army. The bus gave 1st seats to soldiers so Marie didn't have a seat until Pat claimed her as his wife to gain the valued seat. Pat was swept of his feet by Marie's beauty and personality. On return from leave Pat looked for and found Marie again at the bus depot. Pat , with the determination of a private eye, eventually found out where Marie lived and walked a very long dirt road to surprise her at her home.
Pat and Marie were married Christmas Day 1942 with the Aldridge family in attendance at the Aldridge home. The new bride and groom were assigned to a base in So. Carolina until WW2 ended. They moved to Wewoka Oklahoma where their 1st of 4 sons was born. The little family, shortly after, moved to Long Island N.Y. to live with Pat's family. The little family then moved to San Pedro California close to Marie's sister Izetta. Their second son was born while they lived in Western Terrace overlooking the harbor. The family moved to Lynnwood and lived there briefly before moving into a new home in Lakewood Ca. There, their third and fourth sons were born. Marie was very active in a new growing church First Baptist Church of Lakewood. She was the 3rd grade Sunday school teacher for more than 30yrs, and was very active in the woman's group, "Priscella Circle", quilting sewing, crocheting, and especially knitting all sorts of baby clothes to give to others in need, or for newborns. Marie was always there when someone was in need of emotional, spiritual or even transportation help. Marie never turned down a request for help.
Pat was called to heaven in 1997 after months of loving care from his beloved Marie. After Pat's passing. Marie kept busy in the Church and knitting for Missionaries and baby needs. Recent Political issues not only filled Marie's mailbox and caught the mailman's attention but, also brought out Marie's patriotism as she ask "Where is our country going!". Marie broke her hip shortly after her 95th birthday in September . After weeks of medical care, punctuated by a short and happy stay in an assisted living home, Marie was called to Heaven to once again join her family in joyous songs of praise.
Marie has 13 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild....And many, many endearing family and friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and one grandson.
Elva Marie Chiara was born Sept. 3, 1915 in Vamoosa Oklahoma. Her parents were William Issac Aldridge known as "W.I." or "Big Wah"(and a County Sheriff) and Effie Dorice Chastain Aldridge affectionately called "Sally" by her husband. The family had lived at several different homesteads through the years mostly in Chandler County Oklahoma. Once the family even traveled to New Mexico by covered wagon. Marie remembered riding with her sister Dee in a sling strung under the wagon.
There were 6 sisters and one brother-Lee. Lee was the oldest followed by Alma, Izetta, Mattie Mae, Maggie, Marie, and Dee. The sisters were always singing and doing everything together. They had a very happy and loving Christ centered family unit that supported them through difficult years.
Marie worked as a sales clerk at the "Five and Dime" stores after she graduated High School. She met Pasquale (Pat) at a bus depot while he was on 3day pass from the Army. The bus gave 1st seats to soldiers so Marie didn't have a seat until Pat claimed her as his wife to gain the valued seat. Pat was swept of his feet by Marie's beauty and personality. On return from leave Pat looked for and found Marie again at the bus depot. Pat , with the determination of a private eye, eventually found out where Marie lived and walked a very long dirt road to surprise her at her home.
Pat and Marie were married Christmas Day 1942 with the Aldridge family in attendance at the Aldridge home. The new bride and groom were assigned to a base in So. Carolina until WW2 ended. They moved to Wewoka Oklahoma where their 1st of 4 sons was born. The little family, shortly after, moved to Long Island N.Y. to live with Pat's family. The little family then moved to San Pedro California close to Marie's sister Izetta. Their second son was born while they lived in Western Terrace overlooking the harbor. The family moved to Lynnwood and lived there briefly before moving into a new home in Lakewood Ca. There, their third and fourth sons were born. Marie was very active in a new growing church First Baptist Church of Lakewood. She was the 3rd grade Sunday school teacher for more than 30yrs, and was very active in the woman's group, "Priscella Circle", quilting sewing, crocheting, and especially knitting all sorts of baby clothes to give to others in need, or for newborns. Marie was always there when someone was in need of emotional, spiritual or even transportation help. Marie never turned down a request for help.
Pat was called to heaven in 1997 after months of loving care from his beloved Marie. After Pat's passing. Marie kept busy in the Church and knitting for Missionaries and baby needs. Recent Political issues not only filled Marie's mailbox and caught the mailman's attention but, also brought out Marie's patriotism as she ask "Where is our country going!". Marie broke her hip shortly after her 95th birthday in September . After weeks of medical care, punctuated by a short and happy stay in an assisted living home, Marie was called to Heaven to once again join her family in joyous songs of praise.
Marie has 13 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild....And many, many endearing family and friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and one grandson.
There were 6 sisters and one brother-Lee. Lee was the oldest followed by Alma, Izetta, Mattie Mae, Maggie, Marie, and Dee. The sisters were always singing and doing everything together. They had a very happy and loving Christ centered family unit that supported them through difficult years.
Marie worked as a sales clerk at the "Five and Dime" stores after she graduated High School. She met Pasquale (Pat) at a bus depot while he was on 3day pass from the Army. The bus gave 1st seats to soldiers so Marie didn't have a seat until Pat claimed her as his wife to gain the valued seat. Pat was swept of his feet by Marie's beauty and personality. On return from leave Pat looked for and found Marie again at the bus depot. Pat , with the determination of a private eye, eventually found out where Marie lived and walked a very long dirt road to surprise her at her home.
Pat and Marie were married Christmas Day 1942 with the Aldridge family in attendance at the Aldridge home. The new bride and groom were assigned to a base in So. Carolina until WW2 ended. They moved to Wewoka Oklahoma where their 1st of 4 sons was born. The little family, shortly after, moved to Long Island N.Y. to live with Pat's family. The little family then moved to San Pedro California close to Marie's sister Izetta. Their second son was born while they lived in Western Terrace overlooking the harbor. The family moved to Lynnwood and lived there briefly before moving into a new home in Lakewood Ca. There, their third and fourth sons were born. Marie was very active in a new growing church First Baptist Church of Lakewood. She was the 3rd grade Sunday school teacher for more than 30yrs, and was very active in the woman's group, "Priscella Circle", quilting sewing, crocheting, and especially knitting all sorts of baby clothes to give to others in need, or for newborns. Marie was always there when someone was in need of emotional, spiritual or even transportation help. Marie never turned down a request for help.
Pat was called to heaven in 1997 after months of loving care from his beloved Marie. After Pat's passing. Marie kept busy in the Church and knitting for Missionaries and baby needs. Recent Political issues not only filled Marie's mailbox and caught the mailman's attention but, also brought out Marie's patriotism as she ask "Where is our country going!". Marie broke her hip shortly after her 95th birthday in September . After weeks of medical care, punctuated by a short and happy stay in an assisted living home, Marie was called to Heaven to once again join her family in joyous songs of praise.
Marie has 13 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild....And many, many endearing family and friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and one grandson.
