MARJORIE C. MORGAN

MORGAN, MARJORIE C. (JANUARY 1, 1915 - JULY 10, 2007)
After spending the last ten of her 92 years locked in the present, albeit imperfect , tense of Alzheimer's Disease, Marjorie Morgan, cherished and adored mother of: Joanne Morgan, Vancouver, Dr. Terry Morgan, Red Deer, Lesley Gardinier (David), San Diego, John Morgan, Edmonton, Judy Kubrak, Ladysmith; grandmother of Suzanne Daley, David Kubrak, Calgary, Stewart Morgan, Red Deer and Dr. Scott Morgan, Ottawa; great grandmother of Aurelia and Zenara Daley of Calgary, departed this earth in the loving and serene manner we prayed she would take flight - cradled in the arms of her youngest daughter Joanne. Marjorie fulfilled the feminist dream, long before it was fashionable. Remarkably, she found a way to 'have it all' while caring for a husband and five children, as well as leading a long and accomplished career as a professional fiction writer, teacher, speaker and artist. Born in Saskatchewan and educated in Alberta where she relocated as a young child, Marjorie's fiction writing for both adults and children has been published in three countries, six anthologies and fourteen books as well as in countless magazine and newspaper articles. Marjorie also wrote for radio, television and film. Her screenplay for 'Marie-Anne,' written at age 62, was one of the first Canadian feature films ever produced in Alberta. It has been screened in North American and European theatres as well as on television. Filmed in 1977 at Fort Edmonton, it chronicles the adventures of Alberta's first white woman , Marie- Anne Lagimodiere (grandmother of Louis Riel), and her fur trader husband, Jean Baptiste in the early days of the West. Starring t he l ate John Juliani a nd Andree Pelletier the film also introduced Tantoo Cardinal, who later went on to major roles in Dances with Wolves and Legends of the Fall. As a writer/instructor/speaker for the Canadian Author's Association, Alberta Culture and Canada Council as well as a long time writer-in-residence for the Edmonton Public School Board, Marjorie took great pride in inspiring scores of children and adults to launch their own successful writing careers. Among the many awards bestowed on Marjorie during her career are a City of Edmonton Literary Achievement Award in 1978; and the Media Club of Canada Memorial Medal for best radio writing in 1969. Marjorie was also a talented artist. Her paintings hung in the Edmonton Art Gallery, the Alberta Lieutenant Governor's house, the University of Alberta and numerous private collections. Most importantly, Marjorie valued her family above all else: taking joy in her children and their offspring's achievements and adventures. She was tender and loving, yet independent and feisty. She had pluck. She wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted, like embarking on a writing career while her youngest children were still infants. To the very end she remained proud, courageous and engaged in life. Shy throughout most of her earlier life, in her later years Alzheimer's in some ways liberated her to boldly ask for all the affection she craved. She of ten held out her arms inviting hugs and kisses from family, friends, care workers and strangers alike, while frequently repeating her private mantra '55555' to remind herself of her 5 beloved children. Thanks to Dr. Wakefield, the nurses, care workers, and dedicated support staff of Banfield Pavilion in Vancouver, BC who cared for our mother in such a loving, professional and compassionate manner. Special thanks also to Sestilia Pettovello, and Nadia Guolo who showered Marjorie with all the kindness, care and love they dedicated to their own mother Theresa. A family memorial service will be held in Edmonton where she will be laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer Society.