Marjorie Elizabeth Wilson (née Donnan) was born on February 19, 1924, in Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, to parents Marjorie Elizabeth Donnan (née Torney) and William James Donnan. She was the youngest of four children, with one brother and two sisters, and had a very happy childhood. In her youth, Marjorie was an accomplished table tennis champion.
During the Second World War, Marjorie worked in an aircraft factory, where she met her future husband, Frederick Michael Wilson. They shared a deep love, enduring a long courtship despite the challenges posed by their differing backgrounds—Marjorie was Presbyterian, and Fred was Roman Catholic, a rare pairing in Northern Ireland at the time. Marjorie converted to Catholicism when they married on June 14, 1949.
In 1957, Marjorie and her three small children, along with her mother-in-law Lily Wilson, immigrated to Canada, setting sail from Belfast to Montreal on an ocean liner. After two weeks at sea, they arrived and continued their journey to Vancouver by train, reuniting with Fred, who had flown ahead to establish their new home. A year later, they welcomed their son Stephen into the world. Marjorie and Fred ultimately raised five children together: Patsy, Karen, Marjorie, Fred, and Stephen.
Marjorie worked at Vancouver General Hospital for over 30 years as a Dietitian’s Assistant while raising her family. Tragically, she lost her beloved Fred to a heart attack when he was 52, leaving her a widow at 48. Despite this hardship, she continued working and providing for her children. Marjorie retired at 64 but soon took on the joyful role of helping raise three of her grandchildren, a time she described as the best of her life.
In 2000, Marjorie moved from Burnaby back to Vancouver to live in Kitsilano. She was an avid reader, an exceptional cook, and a woman of impeccable taste who loved decorating her home and knitting. Sunday dinners at her home were a cherished family tradition. She kept herself informed on current affairs, and her favorite show, Jeopardy!, remained a joy for her even as her vision declined.
Marjorie was known for her beauty, elegance, and generosity. She took great pride in her appearance and always made sure to wear lipstick before going out. To her family, she was the rock and a constant source of support. Marjorie never missed a birthday and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always putting her family first.
Marjorie is survived by her children: Patsy Miller (Bruce), Karen Christensen (Laurie), Marjorie Plewinski (Joseph), Fred Wilson (Michele), and Stephen Wilson (Belkis). She leaves behind grandchildren Suzanne, Kristina, Liam, Katrina, and Brittany, and great-grandchildren Lillabelle, Leonidas, Tristan, Quinn, August, Lennox, Keeley, and Shannon, with a ninth great-grandchild expected on what would have been her 101st birthday. She is also survived by nieces Helena, Ann, Judy, Liz, Deb, and her nephew, Martin. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband Frederick, her granddaughter Jacinda Morris, her parents, and her siblings Tinty, Jean, and Willie and niece Denise.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on November 5, 2024, at St. Augustine’s Church in Vancouver. The Mass begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a procession to Mountain View Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Marjorie’s family invites donations to her favorite charities in her memory: the Children’s Hospital, Food Bank, Gospel Mission, and St. John’s Hospice at UBC.
Marjorie’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare community of Vancouver for their exceptional support and compassion, including Coastal Health Community Support Workers, NAZ’s Pharmacy, the HIVE program, and St. John’s Hospice staff.
Marjorie will forever be remembered as a bright, compassionate, and remarkable woman whose love and support touched all who knew her. Her family will miss her deeply but will carry her memory in their hearts, finding comfort in the thought that she is at peace. Rest in peace, Marjorie, until we meet again.