Marjorie Isobel Wilkinson

January 10, 1937 - September 4, 2020

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Marjorie WILKINSON (Crawford) in her 83rd year, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton on Friday, September 4, 2020. Marjorie, beloved wife of Gerard Wilkinson and loving mother of Mark Wilkinson (Naomi) and Kathy McGuire (Patrick), and cherished grandmother of Cailie McGuire, Riley McGuire and Taiya Wilkinson. Dear sister of Dave Crawford (Patricia), also of Hamilton, sister-in-law to Charles Wilkinson (Theresa) and predeceased by Marion Peters (Murray). Marjorie was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Anne Crawford. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours. Personal Thoughts from the Family: From Mark: It is hard to convey what someone means to you after a lifetime of memories, but here goes… My Mom and I rarely could agree on much, but that is because we were so much alike. However, it was my Mom who signed me up for baseball and hockey and made sure that I got to all my games – all leading to a lifetime of wonderful sports memories. It was also my mom who made me practice piano for a half hour after dinner every night while all the other kids were outside playing. I desperately wanted to join them, but she was firm in her rule of “not until your piano time was in”. All she would say was, “You will thank me for this someday”. Little did I know, as I swore under my breath for doing this to me, that years later I would cherish every minute of playing time I could get. Even at work, where they had a baby grand in the main lobby, I cherished and love playing the piano almost everyday and loved to entertain anyone who would listen for over 35 years. Yes, of course Mom - you were right (Darn it!). As an adult, and parent, I now realize that my Mom always had my best interest at heart, and for that, I will be eternally grateful and proud to call her my Mom. Love you always, and rest in peace, Mark. From Naomi: When I think about my mother-in-law, I will always remember her ferocious love for her family – most especially her three granddaughters, who she often said were the sunshine of her life. (It always made me smile to hear her call Taiya “Sunshine” when she greeted or spoke to her). I will also remember her for being a welcoming mother-in-law, who was always generous in her time and love for our family. I often joked with Mark that the reason Marge loved hummingbirds so much was because she was exactly like one of them in her love for flowers; and in her boundless amounts of energy - always moving from one activity to another. Her “hummingbird” energy and speed were best seen in her ability to out power-walk any of her kids or grandkids, which was true well into her late 70s. The world has lost a fiercely strong and independent woman, but her incredible spirit, and her love for life & Wasaga beach, will live on in her children (both biological and in-law) and grandchildren. I will miss you greatly Marge – a walk along Wasaga’s boardwalk will never be the same. May you rest in peace. From Taiya: One word that best describes my GMa is: Generous And here’s why: She would always buy everything on my Christmas/Birthday wish list – even if she had no idea what it was or how you used it. My favourite GMa memory is: our many walks along the beach at Wasaga and stopping for poutine or chicken fries at Fred’s (Burger King) – all courtesy of her always full coin purse! What I will miss most about GMa is: walking, talking, and playing along the beach. She always went in the water with me, even if my mom said “No” :) In the future, whenever I will see a: hummingbird, I will know it is my GMa looking over me and smiling. I love you & I will miss you. From Kathy: Mom, Shorty, Fuzz-ball…Best Friend, You meant the world to me. You have been my teacher, my rock and my loyal friend. You always worried in your gold chair until I got home and then you loved to listen to how my evening went – every detail, never distracted, always focused on what I had to say. In university you waited for my Sunday night phone booth calls, laughed at the silly things that happened and gave me pep talks to make it through tests and exams. You even took a bus up to school during exams to ease the pressure and enjoy Easter and I loved it. Once married with kids, you managed to support all of us. Timbits, walks to the park, feeding the ducks, swimming at the beach and breakfast at Fred’s were all things our girls cherished. In your quiet but friendly way you managed to become part of our community. You knew our friends, neighbours and even our girls’ teachers. I am so proud that friends from all areas of my life considered you more than just my Mom. You were kind and supportive to so many. Near the end, you always said you didn’t know what you would do without our support…the truth is neither did we. I’d tell you what goes around comes around and we’d have a little moment. Right now, I know you are sitting in your gold chair looking down on us all with a big smile and a thumbs up, cheering us on as always. Love you lots. -Kathy From Pat: Oh Margie… It is so hard to believe that I will not see your smiling face anymore. You were such a positive influence on all our lives – especially for Cailie and Riley – our very own “Mary Poppins”; you selflessly gave up years of your retirement freedom to help raise our children with love and guidance through their formative years. And, if that wasn’t enough, we added a dog to your daily routine! Despite your initial misgivings, you and Murphy became fast friends and I hope that your souls meet up along the way. Sure, we have pictures and memories to help us cope with losing you, but it is just not the same. I will miss the family walks at Wasaga Beach – even though it would take you forever to get ready! I will miss your laughter, your hugs and your smiling face at all our family gatherings and I will miss your sense of calm and your ever-positive outlook on life. You were one of a kind, Margie, and your love and kindness will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know you and share our lives with you. From Cailie: G-ma, I am truly so fortunate to have been blessed with you as my grandma. You taught me how to be strong, determined, and driven. You showed me how to be a patient and caring individual whose love for those around them is endless. You guided me through life with compassion, empathy, and an unwavering amount of support. You provided me with endless amounts of kisses, hugs, and Kleenex. It is an honour to see how many lives you have profoundly touched, and by just speaking your name, the room lights up with laughter and smiles. Your love, kindness, and selflessness live on through all of us. You will be forever missed??, hugs & kisses, Cailie. From Riley: Grandma, you meant the world to me. I didn’t realize how fortunate I was to always have you by my side for my whole life, because I thought all grandmas were just that awesome. Whether it was the first day of school jitters, dropping me off at the bridge after lunch recess, choir performances, or final exams, I could always look back over my shoulder and see you still standing there so proud, waving and kissing me good luck and goodbye by the car. You always gave me a huge smile and a sneaky thumbs up to give me strength. Your support meant the world to me. Even during my years at university, you’d always say I could call if I ever needed anything because you’d be up until 1am watching the late-night shows. Memories at Wasaga Beach will forever stay in my heart. I can picture our daily routines as if it were yesterday. We’d walk to Fred’s (Burger King) and we’d get hash browns and you’d get your coffee with a sweetener. Then we’d carry on and climb over the big metal anchor in front of the water slides and watch all the cool teenagers skid across the water. We’d then march towards the empty parking lot across the river and feed the ducks some stale bread, and you and grandpa would hold onto our shirts in case we’d fall in. Then we obviously had to check out Nancy Island before heading over to Jack’s to see my beloved golden retrievers, Bear and Mickey, and maybe an ice cream if Cailie and I were lucky. Then we’d walk back and get ready for a full day on the beach… before the piping plovers took over. So now it is my turn grandma, to give you the good ol’ thumbs up because I am so proud to have had you as my grandmother. Goodbyes are never easy, and you and I both never liked change. But I know you will always be over my shoulder, giving me the strength I need. I am truly blessed to have been one of your sunshine’s, and may you Rest In Peace with your beloved grand-dog, Murphy. Until we meet again, Riley McGuire xoxo Special thanks to the Right Reverend David Ralph Spence for graciously presiding over Marjorie’s service. The family would also like to convey their deep appreciation and gratitude to Doctor Grafham, VON staff, PSW K. Guse and the amazing palliative care team at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton. There will be a private funeral on Friday, September 11, 2020, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., at The Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre in Dundas, Ontario. (Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91775022100) In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Marjorie’s memory to St. Peter’s Hospital – Palliative Care Unit. https://hamiltonhealth.ca/memorialgiving/