Marjorie Swanson Briskey

Marjorie loved travel, animals and especially travel to see animals. Proud to have visited 87 countries and all seven continents, Marjorie loved to be on the go and when home she loved to plan parties and research her next adventure.

Marjorie loved her friends throughout her life. She found great joy in staying in touch with classmates, old neighbors and new acquaintances. Having gone full circle, her life began and concluded in Madison, Wisconsin. Married in 1955, Marjorie met her future husband Ernie on a blind date their junior year at UW. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees focusing on nutrition, in what is now called the UW School of Human Ecology. Ernie and Marjorie treasured their educations and remained lifelong Badger supporters. Being honored as one of Human Ecology’s 100 Women Wall of Honor remains Marjorie’s most cherished honor.

Marjorie and Ernie began their married and professional lives in Madison, and later followed opportunities that took them to Roskilde, Denmark, Moorestown, NJ, Corvallis, OR, Bangkok, Thailand, and Kuwait. Marjorie developed friendships at each stop and taught school while living abroad. In retirement, the two divided their time between Surprise, AZ and Madison.

When her husband Ernie of 50 years passed away in 2006, Marjorie cultivated an active fun-filled life at Oakwood Village in Madison.. Her travels during this period took her across the country and around the globe.

Our intrepid traveler concluded her journey at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg where she was lovingly cared for in her final chapter.

Marjorie is survived by her caring family, daughter Kemble Schnell (Mike) and their children Chelsea Neely (Matt) and their son Joe, and Kevin, daughter Carla McDonald (Tom) and their children Jackson (Audra) and Marisa, and Paul and his son Ernie.

In lieu of flowers you can honor Marjorie by enjoying the great outdoors or taking that special trip you’ve always dreamed of.

We’ll miss our favorite traveler.