Marjory Evelyn Macdiarmid
January 18, 2020
Obituary
Marjory Macdiarmid passed peacefully away on January 18th at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL at the age of 79 years. Predeceased by her parents Evelyn and Gordon Macdiarmid, her husband James Campbell 1986, her sister Nancy Kinzie, brother-in-law David Kinzie and Douglas Thompson. Leaving to mourn her loving husband partner and best friend of 26 years John Royle, her son Spencer living in Ottawa, Erin Doherty also of Ottawa and precious grandchildren Ronan age 7 and Brooke age 5, John’s son Andrew Royle and his wife Jill Amaon Royle living in Houston Texas and their precious children, Matilda age 7 and Madelene age 5; John’s sister Mary Thompson and brother Pat Royle (Therese) living in St. John’s and brother Robert Royle (Diane) of Halifax; her cousin Janet Simpson of Burlington, Ontario and her daughters Jennifer Simpson of Ottawa and Anne Simpson of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Also many special friends in Newfoundland, Texas, Colorado, and California. Marjory was loved by all her friends and the calls since knowing of her illness have been overwhelming.
Marjory retired from Memorial University of NL in 1996 where she had a distinguished teaching career as a professor with the School of Social Work. Since retirement Marjory took a keen interest in and enjoying watercolor painting. She has many good friends in the art community both in St. John’s and Wimberley, Texas where she was a member of the Wimberley Art League. Marjory loved nature and the outdoors and hiking the East Coast Trail from her summer home in Witless Bay where she also has many wonderful friends. She loved spending winters in Wimberley, in the hill country of Texas where she has many cherished friends. There she enjoyed her art and the rural nature of the Texas hill country. Marjory loved to play tennis and be fit and was a member of the Wimberley Community Tennis Association. Funeral arrangements are by Carnell’s Funeral Home in St. John’s. A Christian Mass service will be held on Saturday, January 25th at 9:30 am at St. Pius X, 6 Smithville Crescent with a reception immediately following the service in the adjacent Parish Hall for family members and friends to meet and celebrate Marjory’s wonderful life. Donations in memory of Marjory may be made to Doctors-Without-Borders or to a local charity of one’s choice.
Was saddened to read of Marjory’s passing…while checking out my roots I spoke to her on phone several times back in 1980’s . I am James Campbell’s half sibling, having been born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario
We now reside in Guelph but I often think of those conversations we had and she understood my desire to learn more about my roots. So I am am saddened but filled with joy at all wonderful words written about her. …I will continue to cherish her, and Jimmy’s memories in my heart.
Just now learning of Marjory’s passing. My sincere condolences to her family. Marj was my favourite prof at the School of Social Work and my field instructor for my forth year placement in 1977 and my mentor in my 5th year placement in Labrador. She also taught me when I was doing the Masters Program. I learned so much from Marj. She was a wonderful teacher who always challenged you to be your best!
Sue Bailey
Marjory was a warm, loving mother-in-law and grandmother . She adored her family in Ottawa and visited when she could. Her artistic talents are being carried on by her grandchildren. She will be missed..
My deepest sympathy. Marjorie was a wonderful social work professor and mentor to so many of us. Thinking of her family and wide circle of friends at this difficult time.
Susan MacLeod
John,
Jeannie and I were so sorry to learn about Marjory. We only found out yesterday. She was such a warm, friendly person and we both liked her a lot. We know she’s been a wonderful companion for you, and you can celebrate the many happy years you shared together.
Doug House
Marjorie was more than a favourite Social Work professor, she was a wonderful friend who will be greatly missed. My sympathy to all her family at this sad time.
Dear John and family,
I was so sad to hear this news of Marjory’s passing. She was a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend. Marj was my first 4th year field instructor in 1978 and she often would add, I was one of her first students at the school of Social Work! She was truly an inspiration to many. Sincere condolences to the family. Rest In Peace Marj.
Dear John,
So sorry to learn of Marjory’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time,
Andy and Sue
John,
My heart is deeply saddened to hear of Marjory’s passing. My sincere condolences. I reflect today on many memories – especially Marjory’s genuine interest in the career aspirations and life endeavors of others. So sorry.
Love, Becky
My condolences to Marjory’s family. She was always so bright and insightful. I appreciated this as a student, but in running into her over the years, I realized it was how she carried herself through this world.
Dear Uncle John, Andrew and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Marjory. We have such fond memories of Christmas time together, and summer days at your cottage in Witless Bay. Marjory’s sense of adventure and love for travel, arts and the outdoors was inspirational.
All our Love,
Mary-Clare, Gilles, Solange and Juliette
My condolences to Marjory’s family. She was a wonderful professor and mentor to me during my university career. I credit her for inspiring my love of clinical social work. Her instruction was truly impactful. RIP Marjory.
John, Sharon and I are indeed saddened for your loss.We have many fine memories of visits with Marjory and you in St. John’s, Witless Bay , Wimberley and Calgary. Our thoughts are with you and your family John, at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace, Marjory.
Andy and Sharon Fahey
Our deepest sympathies to John and family on the
passing of Marjory.. May she Rest in Peace.
Kathryn and Douglas Mason
Dear John: we are so saddened by the passing of lovely lovely Marjory.
We shall always remember that beautiful smile that brightened everyone around her.
Take care John,
Roma and Dan Herder
We were both saddened to read of Marjory’s passing. And at the same time thinking of her brought back fond memories of MUN days , placements and a great environment for learning in the School of Social Work of which Marjory was a great contributor! We extend our sympathies to her family, and wish you comfort in your memories of her.
Very sorry to hear of Marge’s passing, I spent hours upon hours of my childhood playing at her house with her son Spencer and I have many wonderful memories there. My condolences to her family and I hope they are fairing well during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear this!
Our condolences goes to the husband and the family!
She was such an inspiration. Both were so active to support the PUFFIN PATROL in Witless Bay.
We loved to visit them and enjoyed the party’s in their house. May she rest in peace.
Elfie&Juergen Schau Berlin/Witless Bay.
John, So sorry to hear of Marjorie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so saddened to hear of Marjory’s death. She was my teacher and mentor in 1977 while a student in Goose Bay, and later taught me again in the Masters program. I always felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from her. A great teacher and a wonderful person.
My condolences to all her family and friends.
John, I am so sorry about Marjory’s death. I know this is an extremely difficult time for you and your family and my thoughts are with you. As you know I have known Marj since 1977. She was a wonderful teacher, consultant, mentor and friend. I am already missing her..
Sorry to hear of Marjorie’s passing. I had the opportunity to have her as a mentor back in 1977 as a Social Work student. My condolences to family members.
John, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Marj was a caring friend and valued mentor to many, and a highly respected member of the social work community. Her loss is deeply felt. All my love…Shelly
So sorry to hear of Marjories passing. She was an exceptional Prof and a very real person. I admired her sense of adventure, her commitment to people and her love for the profession. My condolences to her family and colleagues.
John. So sorry to read of Marjory’s passing, she was part of my life at the school of social work as well as friends in the art world. I have many fond memories of her. Joan Roberts
We are very saddened by Marjory’s passing and send our deepest condolences to John and the entire family. Marjory was a very special person who we always enjoyed spending time with over the years. Her friendly nature, kindness, sense of humour, and outgoing personality were always front and centre and made for some really enjoyable times which we will always cherish. Her good nature and positive attitude rubbed off on all of us and she made everyone around her better. She is leaving us far too soon but the memories we have of special Marjory will last forever..
I am so sorry to hear of Marge’s passing. I knew her for many years at the School and she was my thesis supervisor. I enjoyed all our chats and she was an amazing person.