Marjorie Adams Bigelow

Palmyra, Virginia – Marjorie Adams Bigelow (age 69) passed away peacefully on February 8th, surrounded by her beloved husband, Alden, and faithful dog, Elvis.

A Life Well Lived

Born at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland on March 29, 1957, to Eleanor & Paul Adams, Marjorie was known for her amazing intellect, love of sports, and her generous caring spirit for her many nieces and nephews. She was raised in Arlington, VA and after graduation from Yorktown High School, she graduated as an Echols Scholar from the University of Virginia with a degree in Mathematics. She received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and after working in the private sector as a consultant for Booz Allen she returned to academics to complete a PhD in marketing at the University of Pennsylvania. She continued her love of marketing and teaching at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia where she was a student favorite because of her keen insights and thoughtful coaching.

Marjorie loved cheering for all UVa sports, the Washington Nationals, and the Washington Commanders (known then as the Redskins). She could keep up with her husband on the tennis court. She was not one to sit back and rest on her laurels, and after she left the academic world she continued a life of service serving on several women's scholarships committees and volunteering at Caring for Creatures.

Family and Legacy

Marjorie’s greatest joy was her family. She was the beloved wife of Alden Bigelow for 22 years. Together, they built a life on peaceful lake Monticello, centered on quiet faith, good humor, and daily dog walks.

She is survived by:

• Her siblings: Paul Adams, Mary Ferguson, Thomas Adams, and David Adams.
• Her nieces and nephews: Kim Thompson, Stephanie Reding, Kevin Ferguson, Kelly Levy, Kathleen DuRoss, Eleanor Adams, Nicholas Adams, Benjamin Adams, and Laura Adams.
• Her stepson Coleman (wife Maura) and her step-grandchildren: Molly, Ian and Maeve.

She was preceded in death by her parents Eleanor and Paul and her nephew Paul Adams.

Service Information:

A celebration of Marjorie’s life will be held on February 28th at 11:00am at Grace Episcopal Church, 5607 Gordonsville Road, Keswick, VA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CaringforCreatures.org, an organization dear to Marjorie’s heart.