Marjorie Marj (Marge) Annie Goulden Scott

Marjorie Annie Scott (nee Goulden) was born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, on August 21, 1923. She would be an only child, but definitely somewhat of a 'miracle', to parents Willard Nelson Goulden and Annie May Taylor, who had already been married for eleven childless years. What a unique birthday present Marjorie turned out to be for her mother on that particular day!

Marjorie met her future husband, James Strachan Scott in November of 1947. Things moved quickly for the young couple as they easily discovered they were 'meant for each other', becoming engaged on Christmas Day. They were then united in marriage June 12, 1948 in St. Peter's Church in Sherbrooke. Shortly after their marriage, Jim and Marjorie moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where they remained the rest of their lives. Two children were born to the Scott's as the end result of this wonderful union, Elizabeth Ann and Alan James, both of whom were loved dearly by their parents. Jim and Marjorie remained best friends, soul mates, and so very much in love for 48 3/4 years until Jim's death from brain cancer in 1997.

Marjorie developed many wonderful abilities, qualities, and interests throughout her lifetime. One particular one was that she always showed a deep love and compassion for animals. Because of this, she was also a strong believer in the need for the city to provide some sort of shelter to house abused, lost, or unwanted pets. This eventually came to fruition, as for many years Marjorie was involved with the local Humane Society through her well established friendship with its founder, Betty Gaughn.

Other interests for Marjorie over the span of her lifetime included: art (enjoying drawing/doodling, touring museums to appreciate the beauty of historical items, as well as personally owning many pieces of original paintings, and collecting antique glassware and dishes), music (playing the piano as a young woman, enjoying listening to classical and swing music, attending the symphony, and supporting both the Algoma Festival Choir as well as the Zion Lutheran Church choir), theatre (supporting local theatre groups and passionately loving attending the Stratford Festival), active involvement with volunteer work (CNIB, canvassing for many organizations, on the executive of Francis H. Clergue Public School, helping to organize the annual Mother/Daughter banquets for the combined Girl Guides and Rangers in the city, helping to achieve the goal of a new Y.M.C.A.), politics (a staunch Liberal, running local committee rooms, and working as one of two local Deputy Returning Officers for at least two Federal elections), reading, cooking (everything was always so delicious especially her chocolate roll with sauce, pineapple cherry shortbread squares with whipped topping, her goulash, her homemade tomato as well as chowder soups, and her great picnic meals), decorating (whether it was the house both inside and out, or beautifully wrapping family presents), gardening (definitely inheriting her parents' green thumbs), walking (one of her four Yorkshire Terriers owned at different times), going to the 'Y' (for swimming, exercise class, and hiking), playing tennis with the neighbourhood ladies, cross-country skiing, travelling, and finally sports (avidly watching baseball, basketball, curling, golf, hockey, football, and tennis).

Marjorie was a very giving, creative, organized, dedicated, and out-going individual who rarely complained. She also possessed a great sense of humour, an active imagination, and enjoyed story telling. She was well liked by all and easily befriended. Her family meant everything to Marjorie, as she made sure their needs came ahead of her own. She took pride in her general daily appearance to look her best for others. Her most favorite colour was blue. Most people who knew Marjorie would comment about her wonderful, natural smile or her sparkling, blue eyes.

Approximately six years after her husband's death, Marjorie unfortunately experienced a serious life changing fall on some black ice. The resulting injuries of several compound fractures to her spine and neck area, left her unable to carry on with daily activities as before. Marjorie now needed a cane to assist her mobility. Bladder problems also began to develop as a result of the fall. Over time things worsened, making balance and navigating stairs a chore. The end result was that she was forced to sell her home and move into Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence where she stayed for more than four years. Marjorie's back and bladder problems only continued to worsen causing her to now need a rollator to ensure safe movement. During her last years, Marjorie consistently displayed a great deal of courage as well as determination in dealing with her several medical issues and the resulting daily pain. She would always reply to someone asking about her health that she was fine, just fine, as she didn't want to burden them with her own personal problems. She fought to maintain a positive attitude and matching level of energy, even under the most trying of circumstances. She wasn't a 'quitter' and possessed a high tolerance of pain. It was as a result of these painful medical issues that Marjorie came to believe that God was merely testing her resolve. She became stronger in religious spirit and truly looked forward to receiving communion from her pastor whenever she was well enough to be able to have him visit. Marjorie stated she was not afraid to die, but was instead looking forward to the day she would finally be free from pain and at peace in the company of both the Lord and her late husband.

Marjorie will be genuinely missed by her children and many friends.

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SCOTT, Marjorie Annie – With her family by the bedside, Marjorie unexpectedly entered into eternal rest at the Sault Area Hospital on Sunday, July 31, 2011, exactly three weeks from her 88th birthday. Devoted wife and soul mate of the late James Strachan Scott. Dear mother, travel companion and best friend of Elizabeth Ann Scott of Sault Ste. Marie. Loving mother of also Alan James 'Jim' Scott (Esther Victoria) of Nepean, Ontario. Survived by sister in law Marion MacVannel (late Peter) of Burlington, Ontario and their daughter Marni. Also survived by step grandsons Brett & Corey MacNeil and their families. Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Marjorie was predeceased by her parents Willard Nelson and Annie May Goulden (nee Taylor). Many thanks to the staff at Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence during Marjorie’s years there, several of whom were considered special friends. Marjorie will be missed by her friends at Zion Lutheran Church. A celebration of Marjorie’s life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Monday, August 8, 2011 from 11:30 am until time of service at 1 pm. Pastor Jouko Jyrkama officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, the Humane Society, the SAH Foundation, ARCH,or a charity of your choice. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 705-759-2522).