Marjorie Ann Polivka Strom

Marjorie Ann Polivka Strom April 9, 1939 - September 5, 2024 Marjorie Ann Polivka Strom was born April 9, 1939 in Bellaire, Ohio to Albert and Anna Stella Vild Polivka. Marji was graduated from Ohio University, where she also met George Strom. They met while singing in choir and shared a love of music for the rest of their lives. After marrying George March 18, 1960 and graduation, Marji moved to Elyria, Ohio, --George's hometown-- and they lived there until moving to Knoxville, Tennesee in May 2023 to be near family. They both still cherished Elyria and were its best cheerleaders. Marji loved children and teaching. She taught in elementary schools for thirty-two years and spent almost her entire career teaching third grade at McKinley Elementary School in Elyria. Because she understood the troubles and travails of childhood, one of the books she loved reading to her students was Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Judith Viorst). She also loved spending time with her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces & nephews. She was a great storyteller as well as a fact-checker/history resource for George. Marji and George were very involved with the Lorain County Historical Society (LCHS). They became members of the Lorain County Historical Society in February 1961. They were highly dedicated to preserving history, and especially supportive of the work of LCHS in Elyria and Lorain County. Marji served as recording secretary of the Board for several terms in the 1960s and 1970s, was a Board member from 1997-2008, and was programs chair from 2000-2008. She was a member of many LCHS committees throughout the decades, including those pertaining to events, membership, governance, and education. She was known for her volunteer time spent with the Women's Committee, the LCHS Apple Festival booth, third-grade tours of The Hickories, history camps, Valentine Teas, annual membership dinners, Ice Cream Socials, and fall BBQs. Marji had a passion for teaching others about Lorain County history, and her presence in Lorain County and with the LCHS will be missed. She also helped George with his antique car hobby, especially when he was president of Elyria's antique car club and president of the Ohio Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Marji was also a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Elyria where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years with George and other friends. Marji was preceded in death by her parents; and later by George, to whom she was happily married for 63 years. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sister, Carol Weiss; sister, Barbara (David) Omerod; brother, Alan (Percan) Polivka; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even great-great-nieces and nephews --all scattered throughout the United States. A very special thanks goes out to the following people: Elyria residents Larry & Cheryl Meek, who kept an eye on both Marji and George while they still lived in Ohio; Marji's great-niece, Mary Strom Holley, who helped with the transition to Tennessee and watched over her healthcare; and the staff of Trinity Hills in Knoxville who took daily care of her. At a later date, a private burial service will be held at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to the Lorain County Historical Society, 284 Washington Avenue, Elyria, Ohio 44035 https://lchs.org/ or 440-322