Marjorie S. Counsilman

Marjorie S. Counsilman, age 93 of Bloomington passed away Thursday August 17, 2017 at the Hearthstone Health Campus. Born in Newark, Ohio on July 25, 1924 to John and Mary Scrafford, Marge was the oldest of three daughters. She is survived by her daughters Cathy Counsilman (Steve Bonner) and Jill Morris (Mike), both of Bloomington; grandchildren Dan DeSalle (Mallori), Chris DeSalle (Kristin), Leslie Blankenship (Kyle), Helen Morris, and Jim Morris; and six great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her sons Jim and Brian, and her husband James "Doc" Counsilman (former I.U. Swimming Coach). Marge graduated with honors from Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio) High School, initially attended Ohio State University, and later worked towards completing her degree in English at IU. She met her future husband Jim, a swim star at Ohio State and life guard at her hometown pool, when he kicked her out of the pool for eating a candy bar. Afterwards, their relationship quickly evolved into a life-long romance. They married in 1942 and were together until Doc's death in 2004. Marge was not only a housewife and devoted mother of four, but in.all ways a partner in her husband's distinguished career. She helped Doc write and edit his articles and books, managed the family business that included the production, merchandising and distribution of Doc’s numerous swim innovations, ran Doc's summer camps, and, perhaps most importantly, became a substitute "Mom" to Doc's collegiate swimmers. After putting her own children to bed, it wasn't unusual for Marge to spend the rest of the evening typing a paper for one of the swimmers or helping another with an assignment. Her lasagna parties for the team became legendary. In 2004, to honor this beloved woman for all her contributions to the sport, The International Swimming Hall of Fame named Marge "The Grande Dame of Swimming". Locally, Marge was a member and past president of The Bloomington Garden Club and Psi Iota Xi Sorority. When her children were swimming for BSC, she ran dozens of swim meets at Bryan Park Pool. More recently, she owned and helped to operate The Loaf and Ladle Restaurant. While still able, she was a gardener, a voracious reader, a gifted writer, and a world traveler. The first to admit that swimming was not one of her strong-suits, Marge continued her daily swims until the age of eighty-six. When asked about her diligence, she explained, "It's what my husband would have wanted". A caring, intelligent and fun-loving woman, Marge will not only be missed by her immediate family, but by the many swimmers who still regard her as "Mom". No visitation or services are planned. Those wishing to honor Marge's life may contribute to The Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming, c/o The 1.U. Foundation. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

Tributes

Marjorie S. Counsilman

July 25, 1924 - August 17, 2017