Longtime Lake Oswego Resident Julia Mae Marx Passes Away at 98

Marx was a beloved community member known for her love of nature and commitment to family.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:37pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, earthy tones depicting a serene nature scene with blurred trees, flowers, and a winding path, conveying a sense of tranquility and contemplation.The vibrant natural world that Julia Mae Marx cherished will be memorialized with a new park bench in her honor.Lake Oswego Today

Julia Mae Marx, a lifelong resident of Lake Oswego, Oregon, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at the age of 98. Born in 1927, Marx was deeply involved in her local community, belonging to groups like the Lake Oswego Travelers Club and the Mazamas hiking organization. She was also an active member of the Our Lady of the Lake Church, which she helped establish with her husband Bernard.

Why it matters

Marx's passing marks the end of an era for Lake Oswego, as she was a fixture in the community for nearly a century. Her commitment to family, faith, and the outdoors made her a beloved figure, and her death will be felt deeply by those who knew her.

The details

Julia Mae Marx was born on April 7, 1927, in Portland, Oregon, to Angelina and Huston Buffum. She was the niece of Lake Oswego pioneer George Rogers. Marx attended St. Mary's High School and later married Bernard Marx, with whom she had four children: Daniel, Steven, Joan, and David. The couple helped establish the Our Lady of the Lake Church in Lake Oswego, and Marx was an active member of the community, belonging to the Lake Oswego Travelers Club and the Mazamas hiking group.

  • Julia Mae Marx was born on April 7, 1927.
  • Marx passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at the age of 98.
  • A memorial service for Marx will be held on May 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Mary's Woods in Lake Oswego.

The players

Julia Mae Marx

A lifelong resident of Lake Oswego, Oregon, who passed away at the age of 98. Marx was deeply involved in her local community, belonging to groups like the Lake Oswego Travelers Club and the Mazamas hiking organization, and helping to establish the Our Lady of the Lake Church.

Bernard Marx

Julia Mae Marx's husband, with whom she had four children and helped establish the Our Lady of the Lake Church in Lake Oswego.

Angelina and Huston Buffum

Julia Mae Marx's parents, who were from Portland, Oregon.

George Rogers

A Lake Oswego pioneer and Julia Mae Marx's uncle.

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What they’re saying

“Julia was an active and vibrant member of her community. She shared her love of nature, birds, and had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome.”

— Anne Marie Dudley, Julia Mae Marx's sister

What’s next

A memorial bench for Julia Mae Marx will be installed at Foothills Park in Lake Oswego, where she grew up, through a GoFundMe campaign.

The takeaway

Julia Mae Marx's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Lake Oswego, where she was a beloved figure known for her deep commitment to family, faith, and the great outdoors. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the memorial bench that will be installed in her honor.