Marjorie Togerson

Marjorie “Dixie” Togerson, 95 of Durango Colorado, formerly of Merritt Island , Florida gained her angel wings on Monday March 9, 2020. She left this world surrounded in love and comfort, with her family and close friends by her side.
Dixie was born on February 6, 1925 in Boston Massachusetts to Major William M. Berry, and Catherine L. Binkley. She was their only child and spent most of her childhood in the western part of the United States. Her most treasured childhood memory was being able to assist her grandfather., with her beloved dog on Saturday mornings delivering mail to their small town.
From a very young age, Dixie had a vest for life and animals. She loved being outdoors playing in a creek,fishing and running around with the neighbor boys (she was a tomboy, before it was a thing) or trying to save a homeless pet.
Her true passion was horses. From a very early age, Dixie began riding horses as a hobby, and that hobby eventually awarded Dixie a life that dreams were made of. She was a child prodigy in the equestrian world. She was invited all over the US to compete as well as, winning countless shows, jumping competitions, etc. She was awarded a plethora of ribbons, cups, and trophies all before the age of 16. By the time she was in her late teens, she was already a veteran in the equestrian world and a force to be reckoned with. She connected with her horses and they always did her proud. As an adult, she was given the opportunity to be mayor for the day, in Ogden Utah as well, Grand Marshall of their Pioneer Days parade. She was also awarded Queen of the Rodeo and took all those honors very seriously. She was a very accomplished rider in practically every event and was celebrated as such. She continued her riding career well into her adult years until a neck injury from being thrown from her horse abruptly ended her career. Although this broke her heart, it never broke her spirit or her love for the sport.
In her personal life, Dixie met her match at a very young age. She grew up as one of the Torgerson boys, accompanying them on all their shenanigans and adventures. Eventually one of those boys would become the love of her life. As the family folklore was told, Dixie wasn't allowed to marry, so her mother in law helped create a story to allow her to hop on a train to elope to Nashville, Tn in 1943, to marry Captain Robert F. Torgerson, (retired as a full bird colonel)
Dixie and Bob were married for 45 years, until this passing in 1988, they had 4 beautiful children. Their life together was a love story full of adventures, laughter, love and traveling the world as a military family and the memories they all made together will last a lifetime.
Dixie is survived by her son Eric (Karen) Togerson of Satellite Beach, Florida, Her daughter Sandy Kowalski of Hesperus, Colorado, Chris (Chuck) Velek of Sebastian, Florida. Her beloved grandchildren, Jennifer Kowalski of Hesperus Colorado, Gregory Kowalski (Lisa) of New York, Trisha Patterson (Mark) of Alpharetta, Georgia and Seth Togerson of Sebastian, Florida, and her Great Granddaughter Isabella Patterson of Alpharetta, Georgia. Along with many close friends that became family over the years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert. F. Togerson, Daughter Lee Togerson and son in law Dr. Bruce R. Kowalski and all of her beloved animals.
Dixie will be remembered as an extraordinary lady who commanded a room, with her beauty and grace. She was modest yet witty, and always left you feeling better. She will be missed terribly by all who knew her, especially her family, but we take solace knowing that we are a part of her and within our hearts, she will forever live on.