Obituaries
Marjorie Ida Kinder, 83
March 21, 2024
Marjorie (Midge) Ida Kinder, eighty-three of Lititz, died in residential care at Moravian Manor Communities under Hospice Care on March 21, 2024, following a yearlong battle with a rare form of cancer. She is survived by her husband, Rick, whom she shared 61 years of marriage (sweethearts in college).
The daughter of Beatrice and Harvey Pries, Midge was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, attended Albion College (MI), earned her BA with honors from Michigan State University and a master’s degree (MAT – Masters in the Art of Teaching), specializing in early childhood and special education from Oakland University (MI). Midge was a gifted, intuitive, and highly respected educator in the field of special education.
Starting her teaching career in the Detroit suburbs, she founded and developed a pre-primary emotionally impaired program that received recognition by the Michigan Department of Education. During this time, she developed an astute awareness of well-being and a dedicated practice in yoga. Coming to Lancaster, she trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at UMASS Medical School. As a Registered Yoga Instructor, in the late 80’s, she created the popular Mindful Yoga Class offered in Lancaster, PA.
In 2001, she co-founded and created a contemporary and student-based curriculum centered around mindfulness-based, the health and wellness program – Wellness Works in Schools. Taught by Midge and other Kinder Associates’ educators in diverse classroom settings K-12, the Wellness Works program reached more than 10,000 students and 2,000 educators in her 15-year tenure.
Recognized locally, nationally, and globally as innovative, impactful, and needed, the program served predominately students and teachers within urban, special education and alternative education classrooms, as well as youth at Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center. Midge also trained teachers and co-authored (with daughter Wynne Kinder) “Peace Work – Mindful Lessons of Self-Regulation for the Early Years” in 2016. Wynne continues to expand Midge’s educational legacy through the Wellness Works program, in mindful kids’ books, and through content that she’s created with GoNoodle and now SuperNoodle. Midge was able to see how her wisdom, caring presence, and educational efforts have reached children and teachers across the globe.
She loved to read, travel, exercise, hike, swim lengths, and practice yoga. Midge’s love of the outdoors drew her to the ski slopes and to sail often-challenging waters with her husband and family. Starting on a small sailboat on Lake St. Clair (Detroit), she raced and cruised on their 20, 26, and 35-foot sailboats on weekends, summer cruises to the North Channel & Georgian Bay, as well as racing Bayview Yacht Club’s 257 NM long-distance Port Huron to Mackinac Race.
Moving to Lancaster led to more cruising with Rick on the Chesapeake Bay and thirteen epic summers, living / thriving aboard their Baltic 38 and Sabre 402, navigating the coastal waters of New England, Maine, and Bay of Fundy. She cherished the well-deserved title of “Skipperess” of Pradel (the honored name of each of their vessels), and was a member of North Star Sail Club, Bayview YC, Susquehanna YC, Seven Seas Cruising Association, US Sailing, and International Lightning Class Association.
With love and devotion to her family, she is survived by her husband Rick, son Patt Kinder of Lancaster, and daughter Wynne Kinder (Chris Fenwick) of Millersville. She is cherished by two grandsons – Gralyn Kinder and Richard Kinder, four grand friends – Kristen Weldon, Kerry Weldon, Fen Alankus (Ashley Shumaker), Patrick Alexander Fenwick, and two great grandfriends – Madison Font and Ronnie Font. She will be missed by her family, long-time friends, and more recent friends at Warwick Woodlands in Moravian Manor Communities and Lititz Women’s Club.
A private celebration of Midge’s life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Moravian Manor Communities Benevolent Fund, 300 West Lemon St., Lititz, PA 17543 and Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
April 22, 2024
Fortunately, I am fond of repeating anecdotes about those early days when Midge and I were the only two yoga teachers in Lancaster. As each new person came to town, Midge would organize ” Take her to tea”. ( back then it was always a her ). We would make sure she was thoroughly trained and then we would promote the new teachers. I was out of town – at a meditation retreat – when Midge died. The fortune was my re-telling Midge stories to someone who recalled this obituary. I surely hope I will be notified when there is a memorial service as she was my friend, my mentor, and my fellow pioneer in Yoga, who nagged me until I took the most life-changing mindfulness training with Jon Kabat-Zinn !
Roberta Strickler
April 05, 2024
Midge was one of the most fully & purely alive people I’ve ever been privileged to know. This just seems unreal, impossible. A beautiful soul. Bless her dear & loving heart. Rick, Wynne, Patt, bless all your dear hearts.
April 03, 2024
Dear Rick and family,
I was so saddened to read of Midge’s death. She epitomized all that is healthy and nourishing in life. She was so vibrant! Her light in this world will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to you Rick and your entire family. Deidre Simmons
March 31, 2024
Rick,
Donna and I were so sad to hear of Midge’s passing. She was a warm, wonderful person who always made us feel at home whenever we met. May you take comfort in the years you had together and may she always sail before the wind.
Peter Horvath
March 29, 2024
Wynne, I only met your mom once, but could sense where you got your compassion, intelligence, and individuality from. Condolences to your family. Share stories that make you laugh, I’m sure there are many. Trudy
March 28, 2024
Dear Rick,
I was saddened to read about Midge’s death in the Sunday LNP. I remember so well her beautiful presence as she taught yoga years ago at the Unitarian Church. Whoever thought that stretching and exercising could be fun?! I will always remember the joy and thoughtfulness she brought to our sessions. She was a teacher and friend beyond compare! Remembering the happy times as I send you condolences.
Sally Desch
March 27, 2024
Dear Rick and Wynne, Midge was /is a shining star to those of us who are fortunate to know and love her. She was a gifted teacher, loyal and trusted friend, inspirational genius, warm and loving neighbor, yoga/mindfulness icon, and more. I am saddened to think about how much you will miss her and feel her loss. We will carry her with us in our hearts forever. With love from Jane Weierbach
March 26, 2024
To Wynne and Midge’s beautiful family- Sending deepest wishes for peace, healing and love during this time. You are in our hearts. 🧡 Your Fulton Elementary School Family ❤️
March 25, 2024
Rick,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Midge. I have many fond memories of talking with Midge at the SYC.
Sincerely,
Ken Kuzdro
March 24, 2024
Dear Rick, Judy and I are sorry to hear of Midge’s passing. You two had a lifetime of interesting experiences. We hope that she is now free from the pain of illness. Our condolensences to all the family. Paul and Judy
March 24, 2024
Rick: So sorry for your loss of Midge. Our sincere condolences Gene and Jeanie Risser
March 24, 2024
Rick and Wynne, we were so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved wife and mother. I know that we are better for having known her. May you find peace and strength in your memories of her. Gloria and Jack Blackman
March 23, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Your parents were so wonderful to me, I met them while working at School District Of Lancaster, it was a great season of friendship. We even celebrated our December birthdays together by going out to dinner. The years have passed we haven’t talked as much but I always had a special place in my heart for you all. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers ❤️ Elane Gray
March 23, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Your parents were so wonderful to me, I met them while working at School District Of Lancaster, it was a great season of friendship. We even celebrated our December birthdays together by going out to dinner. The years have passed we haven’t talked as much but I always had a special place in my heart for you all. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers ❤️ Elane Gray
March 23, 2024
Wynn’s,so very sorry to hear of the passing of you Mom! We have never met her, but sure does sound like a lovely Lady! I know you will miss her dearly! Just hold on to all the he loving memories of your Mom! May she Rest in Eternal Peace! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
sent with Love ❤️
Joan and Frank
March 23, 2024
Much love and prayers are being offered to the family.
Jody Charles
March 23, 2024
We are deeply sorry for your family’s loss. We loved Midge’s Mindful Yoga classes at UUCL from years ago. Love to all from Brain M. and Rich R.
March 22, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss…for our community loss. Midge helped me through some difficult times via her teaching Yoga! I am a better person because of her!
Love and prayers
Peggy Keys
