Marjorie McGAFFIN

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McGAFFIN: Marjorie McGaffin passed away Monday, February 9, 2009, surrounded by loving family and by the spirits of others who loved her. Marjorie Scarlett was born July 15, 1946, the youngest of five children, in Eston, Saskatchewan. She graduated from Robertson Secretarial College in Saskatoon and, shortly afterward, worked for the University of Saskatchewan. It was there she met Bill McGaffin, who, in 1970, would become her husband. Together they had two children, Tom and Angela, and eventually settled in Dauphin, Manitoba. Her love for her family was such that she opted to work from home to always be there for them. She spent many years typing court transcripts and, as a result of her close involvement in all the local criminal hearings, neither Tom nor Angela were ever allowed out of sight and were both grounded until well into their 30s. They were, however, allowed to attend functions for the United Church as well as for Dauphin Legion Pipes & Drums, but only because Marj was involved in the operations of both organizations. Always silently determined, Marj was given many struggles to overcome in her life, one of which was her battle with breast cancer. She beat this disease with such vigor that it was too afraid to ever return to her body, and she remained cancer-free for the rest of her life. She turned this experience into an opportunity to help others, and was formally recognized by the Canadian Cancer Society as a dedicated and distinguished volunteer. Marj thrived as an organizer and caregiver, always ready to help where she was most needed. She worked as a counsellor in the Dauphin Crisis Centre for many years, and later worked for Brandon Community Options, caring for mentally and physically challenged adults. She was overcome with disappointment when her heart condition dictated that she no longer work in this capacity, but soon found volunteer opportunities that were less challenging physically. Marj was a longtime and valued member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She spent many years as a member of Victory Chapter No.6 in Dauphin and most recently as a member of Queen Mary Chapter in Brandon. She very much enjoyed her various roles in the organization throughout the years, finding particular success and enjoyment as secretary of each chapter. Her meticulous attention to detail was noticed and appreciated by all, and she was often the recipient of recognition and awards for her service to this and other volunteer organizations. An avid historian, she proposed that Brandon's Central United Church put together a history book in celebration of Brandon's 125 year anniversary. She spearheaded this project and surprised only herself with its success; everyone else knew it would be beautifully and accurately presented. Marj had most recently been discovering and sharing the history of Queen Mary Chapter with her Star Brothers and Sisters, and enjoyed sharing all her new findings with her friends and family. Marj is survived by her brother Edward and family of Edmonton, Alberta; sister Patricia and family of Ottawa, Ontario; brother Robert and family of Bismarck, N.D.; sister Linda and family of Calgary, Alberta; son Tom and grand-cat Kit-Kat, of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and daughter Angela, son-in-law Tom, and grand-dogs Finlay and Molly, of Alexandria, VA. She is and will always be deeply missed by her family, extended family, Star Family and many, many friends. Special thanks are extended to the staff at MICU and CCU at Health Sciences Centre and the ICU staff at St. Boniface Hospital who cared for and watched diligently over her during her last weeks. A Come & Go Tea to celebrate Marjorie's life will be held at the Eastern Star Chalet, 525 Cathcart St., Winnipeg, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on February 14th, Valentine's Day.  At Marjorie's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to local animal shelters, to the Canadian Cancer Society and to the Heart & Stroke Foundation so that they may continue to help those who need it most. Korban Funeral Chapel has made arrangements for cremation, and a private burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in the spring.“Let Go & Let God"

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 13, 2009