Marjorie Mae Yates – on Feb. 12, 2011 at McNally House Hospice, Grimsby, after a long struggle with cancer. Aged 85.

Daughter of George and Florence Allam. Sister of Gwynnyth Cheel (Walt), St. Ann’s. Mother of John, Saskatoon; Jan (Randy) Grimsby; Bronwyn (Chris), Fonthill; and Elizabeth (Mark), Brantford. Grannie to Liah, Sam, Isabel and Grace.

Marj was born Jan. 18, 1926 in St. Catharines. She acquired lifelong practicality and frugality from growing up during the Depression and living through WWII. As a young adult, she enjoyed weekly dances at the Y and embarked on an adventurous railroad trip across Canada at age 16. She then began her career as a switchboard operator as a “Bell girl.” Marj was a devoted mother who always put her children first. When they were older, she returned to switchboard work, first at Sears and then at the St. Catharines General Hospital, from which she retired at 1991.

In retirement she focused on her beloved grandchildren, with whom she played, sang, and shared her love of reading and painting. Marj enjoyed cooking and baking; her bread, biscuits and chocolate cakes were renowned. She was an avid gardener whose flowers live on in her daughters’ gardens. And she dearly loved her companion animals, Kalvin and Sweetie, and liked walking about Grimsby with her dog.

We will all miss her tight hugs, ready smiles, and those remarkably blue eyes.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Marj’s life at an hors d'oeuvres reception on Saturday, Feb.19, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Lake House Restaurant, 3100 North Service Rd., Vineland. If desired, donations in Marj’s memory may be made to McNally House Hospice (http://www.mcnallyhousehospice.com/) 

Her family is deeply grateful to the staff and volunteers at McNally House for their loving care, and to the visiting nurses of St. Elizabeth Health Care, especially Leona and Chris.

' To Marj's family:

I am thinking of you and sharing feelings of loss. Your mom, grannie,
sister, aunt (etc.) spoke of you, giving her pleased descriptions of your
individual uniqueness - like the flowers she painted - as though each of
you were rare to her - Her voice tones reflecting value. . .

 . . . Marj and I developed, layer by layer, a friendship over the years.
Her keen mind and curiosity were gateways to interesting conversations for
us (many portraying our love for nature).

Our visits usually accompanied cups of tea; black tea for Marj, spicy
herbal tea for me (something Marj had no taste for).  Two cups of tea
(very different), two individuals (varied) - sharing a table.

Every December one of our tea-times included a gift exchange.  Rather than
consuming the expensive soaps I received, I used them as drawer-scenters.
Even then I wanted to keep something of Marj with me.  Her colourful
paintings now on my windowsill are also reminders.  But mainly, unhindered
memories keep her with me ... And with you.'  Dawnelle Jenkins

 

'Dear Bronwyn and Family:

From reading your Mother’s memorial it is obvious she was a vibrant, creative person who lived a full and active life and was love by a caring family.

The passing a Mother is an irreplaceable loss in one’s life.  I hope that many fond memories will bring you and your family comfort during your time of loss.

Warm regards,

Mikki '

 

 

 "So sorry to know Marj. has passed , she was truly a kind and thoughtful lady. You were so fortunate to have her for as long as you did which is always too short. 

Marj was so kind to my wife Ros when she was ill. They worked together at Bell as young ladies then Sears and on to the General Hosp.
I am sure they will carry on gardening and all their favourite things forever.
We were so fortunate to have them as examples of two exceptionally kind and and thoughtful ladies.
Sincerely
Len "

' Hi Jan

i was so sorry to hear of your mum's passing...she is one of the kindest women I ever knew . I know you were so close to her, she was also your best friend...

Take care and I will be in touch.

"I can see your mum now with her beloved dogs..."

With  sincere sadness and condolences,

Tracy '

 

' sorry about your mum.  I thought she was a really unusual lady.   How many daughters can say that? So much gumption and sweetness all rolled into one .  What an unusual combination. And to boot I thought she had such an eternally youthful air. Like someone who never ages.  Who of us, as women could aspire to be more?  You are, in my mind, very much like her.  Don't worry. She'll always be right there with you,  just a mother waiting,  in another room, patiently, like all mothers, including mine.

Mori'

'HI Jan,

Can't tell you how unbelievably sad I am about the loss of your mother. My memories of her go way back and I always respected her for her ability to keep her calm (while all around her was in chaos), and how she was always learning and growing both spiritually and creatively.

Love you, miss you, and thinking of you constantly.....

Joan

Thank you Joan  for your comforting words--
Someone  said that a Mother grounds you and I think it’s so—and a
mother loves the whole of us –no conditions- we can just ‘be’–the good, bad
and the ugly. I know loss is part of life and I'm a daughter who has just
lost her mother -I am now lost-- selfishly this is what I
mourn--as well as just the longing for her physical presence--.
My Mother always encouraged me in my artistic endeavours—was always there
for me. Mum was a great friend. She was intelligent, generous,
compassionate -loved all creatures great and small. She was extremely well
read and willing to share her political views-a wonderful baker of bread,
lemon loaf and butter tarts. She was the strongest person I have ever
known-and the most polite, no matter the circumstances. She was funny
and a gardener and fiercely independent. I admired her...