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MARJORIE SKENE
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Marjorie Marina Skene (née Isaac), who left us after a long and protracted illness. Her departure marks the end of a life defined by resolute strength, unwavering drive, and a deep devotion to family and community. She will be remembered by her devoted husband of 66 years, Robert Bruce Skene, her three children, Rodney Thomas Skene, Lisa Dawn Skene (Stephen Goodhand), Danielle Stacey Skene (Michael Morin) and their children, Victoria Goodhand, Nicole Goodhand, Ella Morin, Florent Morin and her two siblings, Lois Schrader and Robert Isaac (Dany).
Marjorie was the eldest daughter of Thomas Isaac who was a pragmatic, stiff upper-lip, humble, caring man who came from Rutland County, England as a teenager to make his fortune in Canada as a farmer and Ella Josephine Paulson, a street smart, loving Norwegian woman who learned to read and write alongside Marjorie.
As a teenager in teachers’ college, Marjorie gave notice of her wisdom, beliefs and skills by organizing her fellow students to elect an all-female student council, years before second wave feminists Friedan and Steinem became known in Canada.
Her life was defined by the generous giving of her time. She was involved in local public schools, community initiatives and her local church. Volunteerism was not simply something she did, it was an integral part of who she was. Educated as a teacher, she gave much of her time to young people as a Girl Guide leader. Known to many as Brown Owl, she gave many hours to leading young women and girls in a philosophy of female empowerment, responsible global citizenship and continuous personal growth. She embodied the Girl Guide motto, Be Prepared. She was organized, hard-working and dependable without fail. She was the second mother to many young girls through public school and to high school graduation.
She was a woman who loved the natural world. Much of her free time was spent gardening, swimming, cross-country skiing, camping and walking. Her English Poppy seeds bestowed upon her daughter grow every year, a reminder of the natural world of which we all are a part. We all come from it and will return to it in our time.
She was a gifted baker whose pie crust, Yorkshire pudding, butter tarts and English trifle were fought over by family members at the dinner table. Her “Benoit” tortière and mincemeat tarts, a long-cherished holiday treat will be forever missed.
Above all, Marjorie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She created a home filled with comfort, humour, and love. Her wisdom, steady presence and beaming smile will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
We take comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on—in the lives she touched, the values she instilled, and the countless acts of kindness she offered so freely.
Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her throughout her illness, particularly her caregivers, Jasodra, Rejoice, Lucia and Vera.
Our gratitude to those who have made charitable donations in memory of Marjorie to The Skene-Isaac Family Fund administered by The Saskatoon Community Foundation.
May her memory be a blessing.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2026