We Remember
SKIDMORE, Marjorie
September 21, 1926 — January 18, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Marjorie. She passed peacefully surrounded by family, after a short battle with pneumonia and complications with COPD.
Marjorie was predeceased by her husbands, first, the love of her life, Clifford Skidmore (1957) who departed this world way too young; and second, Roland Noel (1999). She was also predeceased by her mother Winifred Arnison (1972) and father Thomas Arnison (1977), her brother Frederick (2006), sister Phyllis (2007), brother Norman (2012), “Canadian” brother Kenneth (1983), sister Jean (1989), brother Richard (2013) and her dear son Lloyd (2007) (Maridee).
She is survived by her “Canadian” sister Audrey (Bunny) and three of her ten English siblings, Joyce, Lawrence (Pam) and David (Marion). She is also survived by her son Fred (Nancy), daughter Patricia, daughter Joan (Dave) and son Rick (Sherri) as well as many grandchildren: Shaun, Mike (Cori-Ann), Carly (Trevor), Christa (Roger), Luc, Joshua (Jenny), Fletcher (Aleksa), Jack, Nathan, Cory, Vern, Dana, Stephanie, Evan and Nicole; great grandchildren Van, Violet, David, Miley, Carter, Ayla, Karma, Jaden, Rylan, Kirsten, Brayden, Reese, Austin, Rylan and Nevaeh as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada and in England.
Marjorie is survived by her four-legged furry companion Georgie, who brought her great happiness over the past seven years.
Marjorie was born in 1926 in Whitley Bay, near Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. In 1937 at the age of ten, as part of the British Child Migration program, she and her younger brother Kenneth (age nine) were sent to Canada to the Prince of Wales Fairbridge Farm School near Cowichan Station, BC. A year later, their little sister Audrey (age eight) also joined them. “Marjorie, Too Afraid To Cry” is a book about their childhood journey to this Farm School in Canada.
Marjorie married Clifford Skidmore in 1948. After he passed, Marjorie raised her five children in the lower mainland, first in Vancouver, then in Coquitlam. She moved to the Okanagan to the town of Oliver in 1972.
Marjorie spent the latter half of her life in the town of Oliver where she always felt at home. During her years with Rolly, she became part of the extended Noel family, whom she adored.
The Legion Branch 97 and the Kiwanis Club, both in Oliver, became a major part of the last 20 years of her life. Volunteering at the Legion and Kiwanis gave her great joy along with numerous wonderful friendships, most especially with her great pal, Yvonne Moore.
Marjorie’s smile and her warm and inviting heart were known far and wide. She will be missed by many.
When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices.
When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 16, 2017 in Kelowna, BC. Service details to follow at a later time.
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”
– Queen Elizabeth II
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With deep sadness I say goodbye to auntie Marge . Sweet lady . Kind always happy . Aunties book gave me new insights Into how incredibly strong she was. Cherish the memories that you have.
My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Although, through marriage, I am no longer in the Skidmore family, I have always felt such a strong bond of love and affection toward Marge. She was such a warm, fun loving woman with so much love to give. She will definitely be missed by so many including my three children who loved her so very much. RIP Marge, till we meet again.
Your smile was so beautiful!
Auntie Marg was the best! We loved visiting with her both at her home in Oliver and Kelowna. She always made our holidays so much fun. I am going to miss her so much.
It is with a heavy heart that my favorite Aunty Marjorie has passed away. We had many happy times and she was there for me when I needed her strength to help me get through some rough patches with my health, but she always said to me, “keep a stiff upper lip, and be strong” and she was my rock along with my own family when I needed them. She was a wonderful aunty and I will miss her very much, but I have some wonderful memories to remember her by. Rest in Peace Aunty Marj and have a wonderful time with all your friends in that big beautiful land .
Julie – I found this wonderful photo in Mom’s phone of the two of you …
Dear Patti & Family
So sad to of your Mom’s passing. This is such a difficult time. You are in my heart, thoughts & prayers .
I wish you enough,
Carrie Swanson XOX
So glad we became best friends after so many years apart, we will never forget you.
God Bless you, my big sister Margie.
David and Marion you meant the world to her.
Cory, my heart goes out to you and yours. Gather close your loved ones and share your memories together. Be kind to each other, it will deepen her rest.