Obituary of Marjorie Horner

“Oh, hi; it’s Marjorie.”  We all will miss that pleasant phone greeting.

Marjorie Mildred Horner, born April 6, 1947 to Clifford and Thelma (Mullen) Horner, was the youngest of five surviving children raised on a farm in Radford, near Shawville, Quebec.  Predeceased by her parents, as well as family members Ronald and Phyllis (Darling) and his first wife, Delesslyn Cox, Hugh and Norma (McKnight), Elaine Gilmour (Wilmont), Ellard Perry (Kathryn), young siblings Neil and George, nephew Clifford Horner Jr. and great niece, Valerie Horner, Marjorie died on March 2, 2023 in Shawville in her 76th year.  She is survived by her brother, Wilmont ‘Bill’, of Morrisburg, sister, Kathryn Perry, of Shawville, and sister-in-law Virginia Belleville (Ronald).  Her fun-loving spirit and generosity will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and the host of people who were blessed to call her friend.      

Marjorie’s early days included school, church, and hours walking with the sheep, which she preferred over house chores.  She and her sister, Kathryn, endured affectionate teasing by their brothers.  She left Shawville around age 17 to live in Ottawa, took secretarial courses at Algonquin College, and started her career at J.L. Richards, where she was a valued employee and personal friend of its founder.  Somewhere, she fit in a brief stint as a piano demonstrator in Vancouver.

“Maggie”, as her friends called her, cultivated quality relationships wherever she lived. Shawville friendships endured.  Her circle in Ottawa grew over common interests in jazz and choir music, natural cosmetics, and food experiments in a monthly Gourmet Club.  One cluster of friends dubbed themselves “The Golden Girls”.  Now, we can envision a smiling redhead from Shawville singing alto in heaven’s choir, restored to her full strength and natural beauty, having ‘tasted and seen that the Lord is good’, and walking on streets of gold.

Marjorie shared her homes with a bunny, many beloved cats, briefly with a stray niece who had landed a job in Ottawa, and eventually Hugh’s dog, “Nick” when the farm was sold.  She transformed Nick into a proper Shawville ‘townie’.  She was a good sport when her brothers lifted her little red convertible off the driveway—with her at the wheel!  She also enjoyed travels to Calgary, Texas, New Orleans, and multiple trips to Hawaii.  Marjorie believed in quality and often refurbished or repurposed possessions rather than replace them.  If she couldn’t find a jewelry piece she wanted, she would create it!  She was family-famous for her giant wreaths, Black Forest Cake and personalized mega cookies at Christmas time.  Marjorie’s arrival at any gathering improved its fashion, wit and laughter quotient.

In 1993, Marjorie moved to Shawville to help care for her dear Mum.  There, she reinvented herself as an entrepreneur and established “Shawville Shoe and Accessory Shop”.  She welcomed locals, tourists, and former residents whose home visits now included a few purchases at the Shop.  The business thrived on her tasteful selection of quality inventory and her personal attention to the comfort of her customers’ feet.  She was active in Shawville Business Advancement and was nominated for Entrepreneur of the year.  She and fellow entrepreneur, Katharine Summerfield (formerly of Boutique Gwendoline) held fashion shows to raise funds for projects at the local hospital and CAP long-term care facility.

In 2017, Marj sold the store and retired to her shoe-themed home and ‘cottage’ where many delayed projects awaited.  She took pride in caring for and updating her home.  There, she welcomed visits with family and friends, and maintained an avid interest in their pursuits and achievements.  You might be invited to stay for a quiet chat and a pop, or join her for an episode of ‘Monk’,  ‘Blue Bloods’, ‘Murder She Wrote’, or ‘Magnum PI’.  It might come up in conversation that she met Tom Selleck on a trip to Hawaii and sat in his car.  She might recruit you to carry, move, or assemble something.  She might impart a hidden gem of family history previously unknown to you.  In any case, you would be sure to leave with a great story or joke, some of her political insights and practical wisdom, and often a crisp bill in your pocket for your journey.  She was also available for lunch dates at Kojak’s or Café 349.

As a 3-time cancer survivor, Marjorie joined the ranks of the ‘Red Hat Society’.  During her health battles her very private faith became a more obvious source of her strength and determination to fight and recover from each challenge.  She was grateful to live across the street from New Hope Christian Fellowship Church, where she joined worship and received fellowship and support.  

Recent years brought difficult changes.  Following a serious injury and a series of hospital stays, Marjorie became a resident at CAP Long Term Care in Shawville in 2022.  This huge adjustment, coupled with the sale of her home, brought sadness and quieter days.  However, Marj’s fondness for her family and friends, interest in current affairs and McDonald’s fries, and her wit remained evident into her final days.  

Her family wishes to acknowledge the care provided by the medical staff at Pontiac Community Hospital and the CAP, and caregivers who previously supported her efforts to remain in her home.  We are also indebted to Marjorie’s neighbour and friend, Carol Anne Cameron, who joined her inner circle of support and companionship.

Friends may call at Hayes Funeral Home, 134 Centre Street, Shawville, Quebec on Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.  Funeral Service will take place on Monday, May 29, 2023 in New Hope Christian Fellowship Church, Shawville, Quebec at 1 p.m.  Family will receive condolences from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the church.   Donations in memory of Marjorie may be given to New Hope Church building fund, Shawville, or a charity of your choice.