Marjorie King Sager died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.

She was born Oct. 3, 1923, in Akron, Ohio, to Harry and Hattie Davidson, a sister to her beloved brother Harold. A registered nurse, Army veteran, occupational therapist and career Realtor, Margie married Emil “Terry” Sager in 1955 and they moved with their two children to Venice in 1964.

There was no better booster of the Venice area than Margie Sager, and one of her greatest pleasures was in introducing new residents to everything it had to offer. She began work as an associate in the real estate office of H.N. “Bud” Wimmers in 1970 where, under his mentorship, she obtained a broker’s license. Upon his death she took on the business, which became Sager Realty. Margie was a walking history book of facts, wisdom and little-known anecdotes about Venice and its origins. She was warm and enthusiastic in her efforts to match clients with their ideal home, building up a successful office based primarily on referrals and repeat business. In 2009, Margie was recognized by the National Association of Realtors with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her distinguished service spanning four decades, which had given her the opportunity to work with as many as three generations of local families.

Margie was a strong supporter of community efforts on many fronts, from restoring Venice’s historic railroad station to saving the manatees. Along with her husband, Terry, and their friends from the early days of the Venice Nokomis Presbyterian Church, she gave generously of her time, whether at pancake breakfasts, youth group events or shuttling kids in every direction. An all-around athlete throughout her life, Margie played tennis regularly for many years with a group of friends she dubbed the “Over Forty or Feel Like Its,” and was a founding board member of the area’s YMCA at a time when there were few such facilities available.

More than anything else, Margie Sager was a loving mother and a source of creativity and fun to her family. Her unfailing optimism, ready smile and self-effacing grace inspired her many friends and colleagues as well, and she will be deeply missed.

Widowed in 2003, Margie is survived by her son, James; daughter and son-in-law, Cecilia Sager and Jeffrey Sutton; grandchildren, Emma and James Sutton; nephew, David Stires; and niece, Sally Sutherland; and, by marriage, sons David Sager and Brian Sager; daughter Ellen Moore; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services: Arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Contributions: Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Venice Corps or to the Venice Branch of the South County Family YMCA.