HUGHES, MARJORIE EARLE - A wide circle of friends and relatives mourn the passing of Marjorie Earle (MacDonald) Hughes, who died peacefully at the Turnbull Home on Saturday, November 22 with her family at her side. She was blessed to be approaching her 104th year. Predeceased by her dear husband William Kirk Hughes in 1970, Marjorie is survived by her devoted son Gareth (Gary) Kirk, his wife Kimberley (MacKinnon) and loving grandson Neil. She was truly cherished by her step granddaughters Hilary and Elspeth Lemon (Kameron Lebel). Born in Saint John on March 7, 1911, Marjorie was the only child of Burpee and Minnie (Belyea) MacDonald. She attended Alexandra School as a young girl and had many fond early memories of taking the steamboat up the river to the family homestead on the Washademoak Lake for summer vacations. She was an avid sportswoman, enjoying swimming, horseback riding, archery, canoeing and fishing. After graduating from Saint John Vocational School in 1929, specializing in fine and applied art, she was very involved in the Saint John art scene of the 1930’s and reminisced often about the great gatherings and friendships made during this vibrant period of Saint John culture. A member of Main Street Baptist Church, Marjorie was granted a scholarship to attend summer school at the Chautauqua Institute in New York State in 1932, sponsored by the International Order of King’s Daughters and Sons and eventually become an active member of this benevolent organization. In her working life, Marjorie took a position in the commercial art section of Manchester, Robertson, Allison- ‘a wonderful old store’ that she fondly remembered. In 1941 she moved to Toronto where she later married her beloved husband Bill (1944).There she worked for Coutts Hallmark and gave birth to her son. Returning to Saint John in 1951, the family moved to Forest Hills where Marjorie and Bill operated a graphic art studio in their home. At that time, Forest Hills was a fledgling subdivision where neighbours were very close and where the family made many lifelong friendships. Her artistic interests continued in the art classes which she taught to children at the public library on Hazen Avenue in the 1950’s. After being commissioned to create an illuminated address of welcome for the 1939 Royal Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Marjorie’s continued interest in calligraphy led to teaching several such courses in the city and eventually exhibiting many pieces at UNBSJ in 1984. In 1996, her beautiful work was included in the book ‘ABC Canada’ which featured Canadian calligraphers. Marjorie kept very busy, even in her later years. She received a pin of merit from the Canadian Red Cross for her volunteer work of calling shut-ins, which continued until she reached 100. Although an only child, Marjorie carefully tended to her friends and relatives, who will miss the warm conversations and lovely letters, including: the Gambles of Summerville; the MacDonald cousins of St. John’s NF, Halifax, Mahone Bay and Rothesay; the Gilks and MacKinnons of Fredericton; the Thornes of Saint John; Marni Reed of Westminster, California; Margo and Evelyn Flewelling of Saint John and God daughter Trina Delaney of Saint John. Marjorie surely mastered the wonderful art of turning a phrase. Her optimism and love of laughter were surely keys to her longevity. The family wish to acknowledge the countless friends, old and new, who continued their contact with her over the years. You were gifts to her! She was able to keep her own apartment until she hit the century mark and was so thankful for the help of special homemakers who made it possible - Sheila, Laura, Carol and Linda. Later, at the Turnbull Home she was so grateful for the many staff who all provided such excellent care- her ‘girls’ and ’guys’ honoured her with genuine interest, compassion and thoughtfulness right until her final hours.
Respecting her wishes, there will be no visitation but rather a memorial service to celebrate this well-lived life at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) on Sunday, November 30 at 2pm. Interment of the ashes will take place at the Summerville United Church in the spring. In lieu of flowers, Marjorie would be pleased with any donations to the Animal Rescue League or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.BrenansFH.com