Marjorie “Margie” Marie Brotherton, 73, of Salem, Virginia passed away after a long illness on November 6th, 2024. Born in Lexington, Virginia on September 18th, 1951, Margie led a life of advocacy and grit that is nothing short of inspirational. Her devotion to those she loved will echo on through her family she sadly leaves behind. Margie passing away only moments into the day after election day should be no surprise to anyone who knew her. She would make her vote count. While she would have an opinion on which candidate or issue to vote for, she’d be much more upset if someone didn’t exercise their right to vote.
Margie started working with the United States Postal Service in 1982. This was her first union job. After her divorce in 1992, she became involved with her local union, APWU 482. She became the local coordinator for POWER (Post Office Women for Equal Rights) and a steward. From that, she became the CLUW chapter president and then the recording secretary for the Western Virginia Labor Federation, State President for CLUW, as well as the legislative director for Roanoke local 482, the director of legislation for the Virginia Postal Workers Union and she was also the Health Plan representative for her local. She was honored as woman of the year in 2011. Additionally, she was on the CLUW finance committee andSecretary of Association of Retired Americans. She was known for volunteering for just about any committee as she was deeply passionate about labor issues.
Margie was raised in a time where it was difficult for women to be treated fairly in the workforce. Being a mother to four girls, she became very interested in taking a stand against these injustices so that her children and grandchildren would have a better chance at the future she wanted for them. She joined several organizations in order to promote the cause and make her voice heard. Today her children are grown and their success can be partially attributed to the efforts Margie made throughout her life.