Marquita Eleanor Townsend Obituary (1928 - 2002)

Marquita Eleanor Bradshaw Townsend CLEARFIELD - Our Lord and Savior has brought one of his children home as Marquita Eleanor Bradshaw Townsend, formerly of Clearfield, Utah, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died Tuesday, October 22, 2002 in Ogden, Utah at the McKay-Dee Hospital. She was 74. Born April 10, 1928 in Denver, Colorado, Marquita was adopted by Edward and Will Augustine Bradshaw of Ogden, Utah. An only child, Marquita located a biological sister, Mary Alice Chamber of Denver Colorado as an adult. A marriage to James H. Gillespie, Sr. in 1943 resulted in the births of her four oldest children. Her true life's partner was found in Wesley Townsend whom she married on June 30,1951 in Elko, Nevada. Their wedding vows held them together for 51 years and resulted in four additional children. Marquita Bradshaw attended Ogden High School where she was also a cheerleader. As a young woman, Marquita was named Mother of the Year. A two time survivor of polio, she served as a Girl Scout leader for several years as well as a church youth leader. Marquita enjoyed golfing, bowling, biking, walking, traveling, reading and camping. A master of the creative arts, she created numerous quilts, afghans, sweaters, scarves and pieces of fine needlework for family and friends. She spent time teaching her granddaughters to knit for the upcoming holiday season. A devoted Christian, Marquita spent a great portion of her life working with her church and sharing the word of Christ. She participated in weekly Bible study and fellowshipped with everyone. While stationed with her husband and daughters in Cairo, Egypt, she volunteered at an orphanage where she taught women how to care for infants. A great lover of Mexican food, Marquita's home was always open to family and friends. She delighted in sharing her own brand of advice and support to those she loved and made new friends easily. Her caring hands have earned her a place in the hearts of countless individuals she has known throughout the years. Such a special woman will never be forgotten. Marquita was preceded in death by her parents and her sons Russell Gillespie and Stanley Robertson. She is survived by her husband, Wesley Townsend of Clearfield, UT; her sister, Mary Alice Chamber of Denver, CO; her children, Ina Raye Gillespie of Ogden, UT; James H. (Antonia) Gillespie, Jr. of Layton, UT; Robert E. (Janet) Gillespie of Eden, UT; Leslie Michael (Donna) Townsend of Ogden, UT; Blaine (Catherine) Townsend of Salt Lake City, UT; Helena Townsend of Ogden, UT; Stacy (Todd) Scott of Colorado Springs, CO; and Gilda Robertson of Rose Park, UT. In addition, Marquita leaves 18 grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Special thanks go to Alie of IHC Hospice, the staff of the HOBS unit at the McKay-Dee Hospital and the staff of Crestwood Nursing Home. ServiceTrinity Lutheran Church 385 W. Golden Ave. Layton, UT 84041 October 25, 2002 11:00 AM