"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Marjorie was the only daughter born to Earl C. and Grace Turner Irvine at home in Shaler Township, PA. She was the youngest of three, joining brothers Dwight L. Irvine and Edgar T. Irvine. After her father's death, Margy and her mother moved to California where she lived with her grandparents.
After graduating from Compton High School in 1944, Margy pursued an AA in Liberal Arts from Compton College. As a result of receiving some life insurance money from her eldest brother's death in WWII, she attended Occidental College, graduating with a BA in Education in 1948. She always felt grateful for the opportunity to attend college, because she did not think it financially feasible for her.
Margy went on to become a teacher—at Cloverly then Baldwin Elementary. She was deeply loved and very capable in this role – and she remained a teacher at heart all her life. She involved herself in philanthropic work, ultimately serving as President of the Alhambra Venture Club. Margy joined the Young Adult Group at Pasadena Presbyterian Church, where she made life-long friends and met Wallace (Wally) Giles. In 1955 she moved to Germany to accept a teaching position to pursue "travel and further education," fostering a love of adventure that continued for decades. Highlights that remained with her included the November 1955 Vienna Opera House Re-Opening, travel behind the Iron Curtain into East Berlin, a visit to Pompeii, and the purchase of her first car—a VW Beetle—in Germany.
In 1957, she returned to California and married Wally on June 28, 1958. They moved to Sierra Madre, CA and added Nancy and Shirley to their family. In 1962, Wally's work transferred them to New Orleans, LA, where Ron was born to complete their family of five.
Margy—in addition to being the consistent presence at home—hosted innumerable Price Waterhouse gatherings, led a Women's Circle for Canal St. Pres, served as a Girl Scout leader, volunteered for the New Orleans Art Museum, and spent many a Mardi Gras season attending elegant balls even when the socializing could tire her out. Margy's stability, competence, hospitality, and care defined
her sacrificial life of service.
In 1979, Margy and Wally moved to Portola Valley, CA. She loved hiking, Elderhostel trips, church, friends, and Bible Study Fellowship. Margy was always learning, taking her first computer class at age 75. She beat cancer—twice—and served as a prayer warrior for her family and many friends. In spite of challenges, she said, "The Lord promised to never leave or forsake me, and He has kept that promise in amazing ways." Known for being understanding, patient, generous, and kind, Margy was a truly remarkable woman.
Her care for Wally during his ten-year nursing home saga proved legendary. Her love, care, constant presence and advocacy for him was an astounding fulfillment of their "in sickness and in health" vows. Margy always determined to reflect on God's blessings and promises and pointed Wally and others to remain focused on the Lord. In the midst of this and following Wally's death, she stayed loyal to her 30-year-long prayer group and joined the visitation ministry at her church. She regularly baked her famous pumpkin muffins or made dried fruit for friends, family, and those she visited, offering her gifts of helps and mercy to many. Margy's sweet spirit and trust in God served her well during her final years and her gratitude for small blessings offered a unique ministry to her caregivers and other visitors.
Her grandchildren were truly the lights of her life—and she loved hearing from and about them. Even in her later years with increasing limitations, family was always her priority. Margy is survived by daughter Nancy Giles Phillips and her husband Donald of Los Altos, daughter Shirley Giles Davis and her husband Robert of Boulder, CO, son Ron Giles and his wife Amanda of Mountain View, grandchildren Matthew Phillips and his wife Olivia of Dallas, TX, Michelle Phillips of San Diego, Grace Davis of Konstanz, Germany, Allie Davis and her husband Mike Tyska of Washington, D.C., Ethan Giles and his wife Mary of Anchorage, AK, Elaine Giles of San Francisco, Laurel Giles of Mountain View, and great-granddaughter Maggie Phillips of Dallas, TX.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Menlo Church, 950 Santa Cruz, Menlo Park, CA. Small reception to follow.

Donations may be made in Margy's name to Bible Study Fellowship or Menlo Church.