Marjorie Ruth Choyce, daughter of Mary Agnes (O'Connor) and Richard Paul Choyce, Sr., was born 31 Jan 1924, at Danbury, Connecticut, although the family was living at Brooklyn, New York, at the time. Marjorie is usually called "Margie".

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Being the oldest daughter in the family, Margie was assured the bulk of the household chores, at least until I was old enough to relieve her. She was also the recipient of some privileges. I can remember Mom giving Margie sewing lessons on the Singer pedal sewing machine after school. To me it appeared to be a wonderous machine and I was most anxious to have a go at it, but I was not to become privy to its wonderful machinations. I guess that Mom didn't want to have to go through that teaching session again.

As a result, Margie has become an accomplished seamstress over the years, along with other needlework. No challenge has been too great for her, from children's clothing to men's jackets. She has also knitted and crocheted hundreds of items, for which her children and grandchildren are most grateful. Margie's school work took top priority during her youthful years. However, her after-school hours were filled with baby-sitting, at first; then her job as a soda-jerk at Liggetts Drug Store in Norwalk, after school and week-ends. There were also chores at home, including some cooking, which may have been more of a pleasure than a chore. By the time Margie was old enough to join the U.S. Army Cadet Nurse Corp, she had a strong foundation in domestic engineering.

Margie had always wanted to be a nurse, and World War II gave her that opportunity. She had to sign an agreement before her enlistment that she would complete her nurses training and serve in the Army for "the duration and six months". As fate would have it, Margie completed her courses, received her B.A. and R.N., and was then separated from the Corp, because the war had ended and her services were no longer needed.

Margie returned to 37 Putnam Avenue in South Norwalk, had a nice rest, looked for work, but found nothing there. She then moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where she found employment in nursing, and found a beau as well. She met Joe Cannon from nearby Mattapan. After a lengthy courtship plans were made for marriage.

Marjorie Ruth Choyce married Joseph Francis Cannon, 29 Jul 1950, at Boston, Massachusetts. Joseph, son of Lillian Mae
(Gale) and Frank Edward Cannon, was born 24 Jul 1919, in Mattapan. For more details concerning this Cannon family, please see the "Thumbnail Sketch of the Cannon Family" at the end of this chapter.

Joe's job as developmental engineer with Polaroid demanded that the family move to Cincinnati, Ohio, with the company. They stayed long enough for their first child to be born. Then they moved back to the Boston area where, without delay, Joe found another job as a mechanical engineer. Margie and Joe settled at Concord, Massachusetts, where they bought their home on Southfield Road and where they still live today. Joe later went to work for a ball-bearing company in Worcester, from which he eventually retired, but he commuted from home every day.

Marjorie Ruth (Choyce) and Joseph Francis Cannon had seven children. The six youngest children were born in Concord. The children and their years of birth are: Joseph "Jay" Francis Cannon, Jr., 1952; Patricia "Patti" Mary, 1954; Kathleen "Kathy" Ann, 1956; Maureen, 1958; Mark Raymond, 1960; John Edward, 1961; and William "Billy" Raymond Cannon, born 1964.

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THE CANNON CHILDREN Seated Left to Right: Maureen, Joseph “Jay” Francis, Jr., and Patricia “Patti” Mary Cannon Standing Left to Right: Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Cannon John Edward Cannon and William “Bill” Cannon

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Son Mark, born 10 May 1960, was the victim of SIDS (Sudden Infant Crib Death). He died 7 Jul 1960, before he had time to fully enjoy the warm comfort of a loving family.

Margie (Choyce) and Joe Cannon are now "retired". Margie and Joe spend their time at their home in Concord; their "camp" in Limerick, Maine; and visiting with their children and grandchildren. Margie has knitted and sewed many, many, baby blankets, clothes and such, for the little ones. Joe spends many hours in the basement of their home hand-crafting pieces of furniture for his progeny, when not absorbed with his computer.

They also save time for themselves, and manage to make two or three extensive trips a year, periodically including visits to the Choyces and Sheehans in Florida. Much of their summer is spent at their summer place in Limrick, Maine, with or without the company of children and grand-children. They have never allowed a television set at their Maine home, opting rather for family games, conversation and camaraderie. A true retreat from the rat-race.