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MARJORIE CHRISTINA ISABELA PITCHFORD
Born: Jul 26, 1924
Date of Passing: Aug 29, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARJORIE CHRISTINA ISABELA PITCHFORD Marjorie Christina Isabela Pitchford died with grace and dignity on August 29, 2012 at Misericordia Place in Winnipeg. Despite bouts of ill health during her 80s, she still possessed an infinite capacity to enjoy life and found much pleasure in phone calls and visits by family, outdoor times in the courtyard and views from her window of nature. Left to cherish Marjorie's memory are her daughters Angela and Leslie; and by grandchildren Simon, Alastair, Larissa and Amanda. Marjorie was born in Montreal on July 26, 1924 to Alvah French and Christina Cormier. As an infant she moved to her mother's home town of Moncton, New Brunswick, and remained there until 1954 when she returned to Montreal. Her mother was Acadian and her father American, but Marjorie always maintained that she should have been Spanish as she preferred Hispanic music. Marjorie had a real sense of style and drama, and enjoyed working in fashion in the 1940s - when she had the opportunity to do some modelling. Her creative skills were also used to make her own clothing and that of her family as well. This talent kept her looking smart throughout her life. Married at 18 to Reginald Albert Pitchford (a young R.A.F. serviceman stationed in New Brunswick) Marjorie thought it a great adventure to travel to England on a troop ship sailing in convoy and dropping depth charges to keep the enemy submarines at bay. She loved her English in-laws and lived near them in Shropshire and nearby counties for several years during the blitz. She always claimed that her memories - of these times and others - kept her alive and energized. After the war, Marjorie returned to Canada giving birth to two daughters (Angela and Leslie) in Moncton. She loved her family life, enjoying motherhood. She had a passion for education and was always there for her girls, encouraging them to be independent, and to develop a professional life as she felt this was missing in her own. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1960; Marjorie loved the city and its sunny skies immediately. Later in life Marjorie travelled extensively making many new friends. On a trip to visit a cousin in Florida, she met Charles, whom she later referred to as my southern gentleman'. They shared many interests and frequently travelled together. Over the next two decades she became a Canadian Snowbird', wintering in Florida with Charles each year, only returning to Winnipeg for spring and taxes'. She was with Charles when he died in 2001. Marjorie made one final trip to Florida after that, but said it just wasn't the same without him. She missed him greatly. In compliance with Marjorie's wishes she will be laid to rest next to her mother, Christina, in New Brunswick as was her dearest wish.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2012
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I met your wonderful Mother a few times when she was with Uncle Gordon. She was a true lady and a delightful person. I am so pleased that they found each other and I know she made his last years much happier. - Posted by: Martha McMahan (Related by marriage to Charles Gordon McMahan ) on: Apr 08, 2015
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I know this is late, but I am presently vacationing in the Naples, Fl, area and wished to visit the grave of my Uncle Gordon (Charles Gordon McMahan). I knew of Marjorie over the years Gordon was in Naples but never met her. I searching for his burial location today I came across her name and was delighted to find this beautiful obituary on her wonderful life. I regret that I never met her. I know that she was the light of Gordon's later years. My greetings to her family if this reaches them. - Posted by: Robert Young McMahan (Nephew of Charles Gordon McMahan, friend of Marjorie) on: Mar 10, 2014

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