Marjorie Ann (Rice) Scuderi
1949-2026
Marjorie Ann (Rice) Scuderi was welcomed into this world by her loving parents, Dan and Betty Rice on September 30, 1949 in Silver Spring, Md.
As a child, she enjoyed walks in the woods, time with her Grandma, singing in choirs, girl scouts and playing the piano for her Sunday School class. Her love of music motivated her to achieve a Bachelor’s of Arts in Piano and Voice from Bridgewater College in 1972. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Music Education from American University in 1979 and taught music in Montgomery County Public Schools. In 1975, Marjorie married John Albert Scuderi, the love of her life for over 51 years.
A devoted, loving wife and mother, she transitioned from her career in education to care for her family. In 1985, Marjorie saw that the school system was not meeting the needs of her children. So, she became a pioneer in the home school movement, beginning a 12 year journey of home education. She worked hard to give her children an individualized education that met their needs and helped them grow. One of her greatest legacies is her investment in her children. After her homeschooling career, Marjorie inspired many students as a private piano and voice teacher. She instilled a love of music while promoting technical excellence.
In her retirement years, Marjorie continued to enjoy life with her husband John as they gardened and forged trails through the woods at their cabin and acreage in Pennsylvania. They also celebrated their 10 grandchildren and enjoyed family gatherings. Marjorie continued to sing and play the piano with great joy and shared music with her grandchildren. Finally, it cannot be overstated that throughout her life, Marjorie’s faith in Jesus gave light to her soul, inspiring a song in her heart–even to her very last moments on earth.
On August 10, 2026: Marjorie joined her parents Dan and Betty Rice, and her beloved sister Janet in heaven. She is without a doubt, singing God’s praises and if there is a piano up there, she is playing it!
Marjorie is survived by her husband John A. Scuderi; her children John (Noelle), Katie (Joe) and Donna (Jason) and grandchildren Cameron, Clara, Collin, Cassie, Mae, Bethi, Josh, Jessie and Kayley.
Country Girl
I Married a Country Girl
Mr. McCusker came to our mountain cabin in Pennsylvania to inspect our trees. As he approached the cabin, Marjorie came out of the cabin to get me from the barn. We both greeted him. Mr. McCusker has been a Little Orleans resident all his life. He is a farmer and runs his own sawmill. Marjorie left us and ran back to the cabin. “She doesn’t have shoes on!” Mr. McCusker said with a puzzled look on his face. To satisfy his curiosity I said, “She is a country girl. I married a country girl. That is the only kind to have!” He nodded and agreed. We had a good country chat with Mr. McCusker. We spoke of neighbors we both knew and of times long ago. He will return with a boom truck and a crew to harvest the pine trees. It was then that I first realized after 43 years of marriage that I did indeed marry a “county girl.”
So, what is a country girl? It is a girl that is more at peace alone in the woods than alone in the mall. She would rather spend her time in front of a six quart canner than at a five star resort. She knows the difference between a Westinghouse and a Winchester. She would choose a bench seat in a rowboat any day over a seat at the captain’s table on a cruise ship. She prefers spending hours cutting grass on a loud tractor to driving a new SUV. She picks up on the beauty of nature. She would rather search the woods for Lady Slippers than the mall. Buds to her are ends of branches that form flowers and are not plugs to be stuffed in her ears. Her favorite plates have ladybugs and dragonflies painted on them. Her favorite shoes have holes in them. She loves bunnies, especially around Easter time. The chocolate ears are the first to go. She loves to get her hands in the dirt. She loves, small trees, some have grown to over sixty feet tall. Last week, she dug up over a dozen holly trees from the woods, planted and watered them. She finds contentment and peace by being alone with God. She loves to praise God by singing and playing the piano. Although she is very good with people, they do not restore her. It is her relationship with God that “fills her back up.” Her local grandchildren love her and are drawn to her. She lights up their lives. And that is not just one or two but ALL who are nearby. Each one sees her beauty and grace. They look up to her and want to be like her. They pick up on her gentleness, kindness and soft voice.
I praise God for the honor He has bestowed on me to be able to walk alongside you, Marjorie, in this life. Life is short. The 43 years have gone by so quickly. Side by side with you I will treasure each and everyone of our coming days.
Happy Mother’s Day ~ Sunday, May 13, 2018
I love you Marjorie. John
