Marjorie CODE

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CODE: Marjorie McLain Code (McPhail) (nee Graham) Marjorie passed away peacefully at age 80 in Winnipeg on January 29, 2009. She was born September 3, 1928 in Winnipeg to Colwell Essen (Charlie) Graham and Margaret (McLain), the youngest of three children. Marj attended Kelvin High School and graduated from Home Economics at the University of Manitoba. She married John McPhail in 1951 and had three children. She was remarried to Fred Code in 1983. Marj completely filled any room she was in. She had an engaging personality and boundless joy and optimism that were readily apparent from the first minute of meeting her. She won the Miss Winnipeg contest in 1946 and was voted Miss Congeniality at the Miss Canada Pageant. She was playful and utterly lacking in meanness or spite. She loved people and social events and made friends everywhere. Whatever Marj was into she had a desire to inspire others. She had a great love of music and played the piano in many a sing-song. Her interest in music was extended to thousands as she used her role on the Brandon School Board to introduce a band and orchestra program into the school system. The program is still going. As with many an irresistible force Marj was used to getting results. She was an excellent cook and to her “food is love”. There was always “enough food to feed an army”. She had an innate sympathy for those in trouble or in need. In big ways and small she helped untold numbers of people and organizations. Marj was an active curler, golfer, and swimmer. She was a great bonspieler, in all aspects. She was a dedicated soccer-mom before the term was invented, driving all over the country to deliver kids to baseball, basketball, and swimming. Whatever the event Marj contributed a contagious energy and enthusiasm. In retirement Marj and Fred became avid and talented painters. She leaves behind a number of pieces, priceless to her family. Marj is survived by her loving husband Fred Code, children (grandchildren) Grant McPhail/Dale Severyn (Cameron, Andrew), Doug Mcphail/Winny Mills (Taylor, Madison), Dori/Tom Jones (Kristy, Mack), step-sons Peter and Fred Code/Candace Wall, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, step-mother Freida Miekle, and siblings Jack Graham and Dorothy Guest. A memorial service will be held on Friday February 6, 2009 at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church 220 Oak St. (at Kingsway) at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Terry Hidichuk presiding. Donations in Marjorie’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Special thanks to the staff and management at West Park Manor for many years of warm and loving care. Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0X4. 204-783-7211Send expressions of sympathy at www.mem.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 06, 2009