Marjorie Anita Clark

To Marjorie Anita Clark, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Marjorie, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Marjorie really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

       Her parents were Minnie and Harold Fowler. Marjorie was raised in Until she was 4 in London, Then Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Even as a child, Marjorie had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Marjorie was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Marjorie managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Marjorie was raised with Marjorie had one younger brother. Her brother was named Bill Fowler.

      All of Marjorie's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Marjorie experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. In her spare time she liked sewing. Marjorie's memorable achievements included serviving a difficult childhood during the depression.

      Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that Marjorie was a class “cut-up.” She didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Marjorie simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Marjorie, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Since experience was Marjorie's best teacher. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Marjorie graduated from North Toronto Collegiate. In 1936. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Marjorie reveled in her college years, where her imagination could run free. She was viewed by many of her classmates as being a creative, artistic person. Marjorie was usually found at the center of things, whether it was during class or in extracurricular activities. She was a jovial person who loved to share her passion for fun with others. But for Marjorie, life was not a case of all play and no work. Marjorie relished the task of putting her imagination to work in class. She was able to discover new and different ways of answering problems and creating unusual and different solutions..

      Marjorie never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed Marjorie to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Marjorie delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them all as potential spectators for her performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Marjorie was always right at home putting on a show among her friends. Marjorie utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, two of her best friends were May Chamberlain and Muriel Withey. Later in life, she became friends with Fred & Dorothy, Lorraine & Sandy, Hump & Norah. Marjorie loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Marjorie very easy to approach. On 1938 Marjorie exchanged wedding vows with Percival Clark in Toronto, Ontario. She tried hard not to impose on her spouse. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

      Perhaps the reason Marjorie related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own children. Marjorie was blessed with one daughter and two sons and three stepdaughters, Pam, John and Doug and Sharon, Arlene and Patti. They were also blessed with Six grandchildren, Michael, Christine, Christopher, Chelsea, Oliver and Elliot. Marjorie had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Marjorie's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Marjorie had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Marjorie was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Marjorie liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Marjorie was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Marjorie's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Marjorie as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was as a secretary but also mother, stepmother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was employed by the Right House, The Library and also Dresser Industries until they relocated in 1982.

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      Marjorie enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Marjorie liked creating and making things. Her favorite pursuits were sewing (for everybody) wall papering, golfing, dancing and playing cards. Marjorie was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Marjorie felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if she wasn’t the best, Marjorie loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Marjorie relished the opportunities where she could make an impact, and she would often push herself to play above her abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Marjorie never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Golfing as many times a week as she could. Marjorie was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf and hockey.

      Marjorie had an endless appetite for new and different activities. She was always ready to join in the fun and add her flair and energy to an organization. Because of her personality, her humor, and her ability to get along with everyone, Marjorie's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged.

      A generous person who often wore her heart on her sleeve, Marjorie often found herself involved in activities she deemed important. She was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made her a natural volunteer. Outspoken in her beliefs, yet tactful in her dealings with others, Marjorie was a member of several community groups, serving on committees for the Red Cross as well as The Canadian Cancer Society.

      Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Marjorie recognized that her faith was important to her throughout her life. Wesley United Church for 25 years. During that time, she was in the choir.

      Naturally outgoing and generous, Marjorie was regularly doing things for others. For her, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Marjorie was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Marjorie just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included several trips to England, California, Bahamas, Florida several times and a cruise to Alaska which included a very famous helicopter ride.

      Marjorie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Marjorie's favorites was after Marge's second husband Hank passed away was Goldie her English Spaniel was her constant companion and friend for 14 years. Her family was rounded out by her many dogs over many years and one cat. Cat Clark.

      Marjorie believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 1982, Marjorie took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Marjorie remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing golf with her second husband Hank and travelling with him all over North America to play golf. Even in retirement, Marjorie continued to stay in touch with her old friends and, since she'd never met a stranger, she made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

      Marjorie passed away on January 12, 2013 at Cambridge, Ontario. A long productive and healthy life with dimentia at the end. She is survived by her children Pam, John and Doug and her stepdaughters Sharon, Arlene and Patti. Services were held at T. Little Funeral Home, Cambridge, Ontario. Marjorie will be laid to rest in May as per her wishes.

      Marjorie brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Marjorie Anita Clark lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.

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CLARK, Marjorie Anita

After a full and healthy life Marjorie Anita Clark (nee Fowler) passed away peacefully at the Brant Centre in Burlington on Saturday, January 12th 2013 surrounded by many adoring members of her large and loving family. Marge was born in London England on May 14th 1918. She moved with her family to Toronto in 1922 and then Galt Cambridge in 1948 where she lived for the next 64 years. She is predeceased by her first husband and loving father of her 3 children Percy Clark and her second husband and faithful companion Hank Withey. She will be sorely missed by her 3 children, Pam (Wallace), John (Lynn) and Doug (Janet), grandchildren Christine (Bill), Michael, Stacey, Christopher (Carrie), Chelsea, Oliver and Elliot, great grandchildren Sarah, Taylor, Tyler, Emma, Danlynn, Trista and Carter. Her wonderful step-daughters Sharon, Pat and Arlene gave her great joy and love. Friends will be received on Wednesday January 16th, 2012 at T. LITTLE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE 223 Main Street Cambridge (519 623 1290) for visitation from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Service to take place on Thursday January 17 in the chapel at 1pm. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the SPCA.