- MARGIE MCCANN Margie Drew McCann passed away Feb. 22, 2017.
She was born July 3, 1931, in Dallas, to Margaret and Drew Page. Margie grew up mostly in New York City, while her father traveled playing his clarinet with the Harry James Orchestra. Frank Sinatra was with the band at the time, so naturally Margie forged a lasting friendship with Frank.
Shortly after Margie moved to Las Vegas, she became one of the first women to join the local Bartender's Union. She mastered her skills at the Gay 90's Club in North Las Vegas, and retired from tending bar at the World Famous Palomino Club in 1996.
In retirement, Margie joined the UNLV senior theatre program, where she enjoyed several years of theatrical study and performing on stage. Her grandchildren fondly remember seeing their 80 year old "Grandma" performing as a martian in the hilarious production of "Santa Claus vs. the Martians." Margie was a contestant in the Miss Senior Nevada pageant several years running where she was awarded, "Best Philosophy of Life." She expressed the importance of family, her love of God and country and believed that "children came with a 'how-to' manual, called the Bible." The pageant provided her with opportunity to deliver dramatic monologues and to sing before an audience in addition to forming close friendships.
Margie was an author who loved writing short stories and especially liked that she sold them to magazines as fast as she could write them. Margie's largest writing project was a biography of the early life of prized fighter, Jim Merrill 'Gideon' McCann. Jimmy was her husband and the love of her life. Margie is survived by her sister, Netta Carver of Portland, Ore.; her children, Peggy Ann Exum of Kauai, Hawaii, Candyce Exum of New Orleans, Jack Exum, Bill Regenhardt and Kelly Regenhardt, all of Las Vegas; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
To listen to Margie giving a radio interview sharing her impressions of the early days in Las Vegas, google Margie Drew McCann and choose KNPR radio interview. We all miss you so much, your great sense of humor and raucous laughter, your Irish strength and gift of story-telling and especially your grace and beauty. Celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11. If you knew Margie and would like to attend, please email jody.regenhardt@gmail.com for more information.
- findagrave.com memorial # 177225964
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