Marjorie Joyce Shortill

Born in Ormesby, Saint Margaret, England on June 21, 1924, Marjorie immigrated to Toronto with her parents Ernie and Mabel in 1926. As a young adult, she worked for General Electric, building batteries for use in World War II. After the war, she worked as a swim instructor with the Canadian Red Cross and enjoyed synchronized swimming in her spare time.

She met her husband Fred on a train to Quebec during a ski trip; they married in October 1954. Raising three children together in Toronto, she enjoyed many years as a stay at home mum, later taking a job at Eaton's Department store in Yorkdale mall. Marjorie became a caregiver to Fred in his later years, until his passing in 2001. Marjorie then moved to Kitchener, where she joined both the Red Hat Society and Winston Park’s book club. She was also an active member of St. George’s of Forest Hill Church.

Throughout her life, Majorie took every opportunity she could to travel the world. The family took road trips across Canada, and she visited her extended family in England many times. With Fred at her side, she experienced the Great Wall of China and witnessed the Pyramids of Egypt. Marjorie continued travelling with friends well into her 80s and always brought back souvenirs for her grandchildren.

Marjorie is survived by her children Mark (Sylvia), Susan (Darrell) and Ann (Jeff). Grandchildren Stefano, Matteo, Daniel, Emily, Melissa, Dylan, Matilda, Aiden, Mackenzie and Mitchell. And great-grandchildren Mikey and Luke.

She treasured her role as matriarch and loved bringing the whole family together—she was the consummate host for every Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We will never forget her red glasses and her love of butterflies, pearls, and pink.

The family would like to thank the staff at Chartwell Westmount Retirement Residence for their support and care, as well as the staff at WRHN @ Queens Blvd for their care in Marjorie’s final days.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 21, 2026, at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St., S., Kitchener, at 1pm until time of service at 2pm.

A private family Internment will take place on June 22, 2026.

Monetary donations can be made to WRHN @ Queens Blvd online or by phone:

• https://wrhnf.ca/donate/give-today/

• 519-749-6797