Marjorie Irene was born in Owen Sound on Tuesday, December 7, 1937, to Donald Alexander and Ruby Irene (Crampton) McGregor. She joined older brother Harry (1935), with the twins, Jack and Shirley making their family complete in 1940. The McGregor family farm was one concession north of Kemble. Sadly, in the early 1940’s the family home burnt, yet a young Marjorie came to the rescue and pulled the twins to safety. The family then relocated closer to Kemble where the children attended S.S. #10 in Keppel Township.  Marjorie went on to attend and graduate from O.S.C.V.I.

Following school, Marjorie took a job at Tom’s Garage in Owen Sound as a bookkeeper and boarded in town. Her starting wage, a whopping $19 a week. She went on to work at Imperial Optical, taking care of payroll and receipts. As a young woman, Marjorie and her friends often took the train south, to the city, to enjoy a change of scenery. It was during this period of her life that Marjorie was known to make a variety of accessories. Along with her sister, Shirley, the two were often known to wear matching hats, handbags, and even dresses. In fact, she later made her own wedding dress, which was later passed down to Jenny for her special day.

On a Saturday evening in 1963, while attending a dance at the Owen Sound Coliseum Marjorie caught the eye of a young man by the name of Lloyd Henry Mannerow. By the summer the young couple were dating, and they were wed on Saturday, June 13, 1964, at Kemble United Church. Once married, Lloyd and Marjorie settled on the Mannerow homestead with Lloyd’s parents and younger siblings. As you can imagine this wasn’t the easiest time in her life and this arrangement remained until 1968, when George and Essie retired, and moved to Scone. During this period Marjorie and Lloyd welcomed daughters, Andrea (1965), and Cheryl (1966), before their family was made complete with the arrival of Jenny (1972) and Greg (1976).

As you can imagine life was very busy for Marjorie on the farm. In addition to caring for her young family, she also helped Lloyd wherever she could. In her limited free time, her hands were always busy sewing and crocheting. With a family of six, there were always pants to hem and clothing that needed repairs. And who could forget the fun things, like Halloween costumes and matching polyester leisure suits, right Andrea and Cheryl? She made sure each of the girls knew how to sew and owned a sewing machine when they left home. As you can imagine, Marjorie was always prepared and was always well equipped with tissues and mints, sometimes even a hard candy. She was an avid reader and shared that love with her children. During their youth, the kids joined Marjorie countless times during her visits to the Chesley Library. Other fond memories included her piano playing on Sunday afternoons while preparing supper, as well as their family camping trips yearly. Many memories, and photos, were created during these vacations while spending time at Aunt June’s property on Georgian Bay. And who could forget the annual corn on the cob eating contest where I am told Marjorie could pack it away, albeit her small figure? In fact, she took victory most years! As you can imagine, with four kids at home they often kept her on her toes – especially as teenagers. One story was recalled during Marjorie’s night out at curling. She was enjoying a drink after the game with the girls when she commented that Andrea and Cheryl were over at Mary Rutherford’s house and that she must have the nicest parents. The whole table of ladies roared with laughter before replying, “Marj! Mary Rutherford is dead! – It’s a graveyard in Bentick where all the kids go to drink and party…” To which Marj I am sure responded, “Those little shits!” One of teenagers’ main purposes in life is to stress their parents, and Andrea, Cheryl, Jenny and Greg didn’t disappoint!

Once Greg entered school, Marjorie returned to the workplace and took a job at Leask’s Grocery Store. It was the early 1980’s and she remained there until her retirement in 2000. Back at home, the radio was always on and often kept Marjorie company. She enjoyed trying her knowledge with the trivia questions and on more than a few occasions won the prize. I am told this is where her Helen Reddy and Abba albums came from!

Marjorie also enjoyed volunteering and gave of her time at church, as a Sunday School teacher and in her later years as a member of the Geneva Ladies group. She was an active member of the Chesley Agriculture Society, often a big part of the Chesley Fall Fair and spent many years collecting money annually for the Cancer Society. Together with Lloyd, they volunteered their time when Grey County hosted the International Plowing Match in 1987 and 2004, working in the RV department. They were also avid curlers, and members of the Chesley Curling Club, and “Easy Riders” – Chesley Snowmobile Club. Together, with Lloyd, they enjoyed socializing, especially with their family and neighbours on the Bentinck Sullivan Townline, better known by them as the BS Line! There were countless house parties, card games and bonfires, and this was in addition to family events, like holiday gatherings and weddings.

In 2004, Lloyd and Marjorie sold the farm, retired, and moved east – just down the road. Retirement afforded the Mannerows the time to travel more. Together they explored Canada coast to coast, (P.E.I. and New Brunswick to Alberta and B.C.) even taking in the Calgary Stampede, and often headed south with family or their frequent travel companions and good friends, Kent and Sue Young. They explored the likes of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Las Vegas and Florida, just to name a few, always enjoying their time away. Marjorie experienced her own health challenges throughout life and was told in 2018 that her cancer was in remission. In her own words, “This is the best day ever!” and they immediately began planning a family trip. In May of 2019, this planning became a reality as Lloyd and Marjorie enjoyed the trip of a lifetime with their four children. The six of them spent two weeks exploring everything Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland had to offer and created many memorable memories. All of them were so thankful for this last family trip together! Retirement also afforded Marj the opportunity to spend more time with her grandchildren. All four of them were unique, and she had a special bond with all of them. There were countless outings to a variety of parks, fishing trips, and even ice fishing on Arran Lake. Who could forget the sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpa’s? They were all loved dearly, and Marj would always do whatever she could to support her children and grandchildren when there was a time of need.

Sadly, in 2019 Lloyd was diagnosed with throat cancer, and he passed away the following year on Saturday, November 21, 2020, in his 83rd year. The following year, Marjorie downsized and made the move to Owen Sound. It was quite the change for Marj, but she handled it with grace and decorum. She enjoyed filling her free time working on her crosswords and jigsaw puzzles. She was also known to watch the neighbours with her binoculars (but don’t tell them) and keep tabs on all the wildlife at her pond. There were also her routine calls with the kids, family and friends that helped her fill her days – but I am told you were quickly told if you called at the wrong time – like during a curling game on television!

Marjorie enjoyed photography, and in fact, kept every camera she ever owned. A collection she passed down to Jenny. Along with this came a large collection of photo albums and photographs, which always took everyone for a trip down memory lane… which usually included reminiscing about a party, camping trip, and yes, even farm animals! She also loved Halloween. In the earlier years, it included putting together the costumes and dressing up herself on more than one or two occasions, but she also looked forward to the trick-or-treaters every year and always had something ready for when the doorbell rang. Marjorie was also fantastic in the kitchen. Countless hours were spent making chilis, relishes, tomato aspic, currant jelly and who could forget her pork chop recipe – yum, yum!

When it came to collecting Marj’s eye was drawn to bells. Over the years she amassed a collection of 50+ which were often purchased on trips and were unique to the countries and places she visited. Marjorie loved the colour red, and she enjoyed the autumn season. Her favorite dish was lasagne but hated rice and eggs as they were forced upon her as a child. When it came to her drink of choice – Diet Coke and Vodka! Watching game shows on TV, particularly Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud – Canada, curling and documentaries helped to pass the time, especially during the long winter months. She enjoyed the likes of Charley Pride and attending, or watching musicals on TV, with the likes of Sound of Music and South Pacific being favourites.

Most of us will remember Marjorie as a petit, strong, defiant, firecracker of a woman, who was funny and enjoyed a good laugh. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend, always was honest with you, and loved unconditionally. This love, and our relationship with her, have made her loss even more difficult for her family and friends alike. Thankfully the pictures and stories will allow Marj to live on in all of us for years to come.

Marjorie passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving children at Brightshores Health System, Meaford on Friday, March 28, 2025, in her 88th year.

Loving mother of Andrea Mannerow of Fergus, Cheryl (Dennis) McIlvenna of Owen Sound, Jenny (Parker) Wallace of Kemble, and Greg Mannerow of Fergus. Cherished grandmother of Garrett, Brant, Marley, and Ava. Marjorie will be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law, Julia McGregor, Dianne (Ross) King, brother-in-law Reg (Dayle) Mannerow, as well as the entire McGregor and Mannerow families. She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, brothers Harry McGregor, Jack (Shirley) McGregor, sister Shirley (Colin) MacKinnon, and her parents Donald and Ruby (Crampton) McGregor.

Over the 12 years of Mom’s courageous battle with cancer, she was well taken care of at many healthcare facilities. We are grateful for the care she received from Dr. Anjum, Dr. Sandhu, and the entire oncology department at Brightshores Hospital in Owen Sound, Karen Hiscox and her team at Care Partners Owen Sound, RNP Leslie Morrison and her team at the Chesley Medical Clinic. To the nurses, Dr. Van Zyl and Dr. Gross, our angels on earth, at Brightshores Hospital in Meaford, who cared for Mom beyond our expectations in her last few weeks, we are eternally grateful. To Dr. Batten and her team who came to support Mom and our family in her last days, your care, support, understanding, and love were more than we could have imagined. The love and support from friends, family, and our communities are a testament to our Moms’ impact on so many lives. We are grateful beyond measure for reaching out to us in our time of grief and reflection.

Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 7 -9 p.m. A memorial service honouring Marjorie’s life will be held at Klages Mill (11 1st Ave. N., Chesley) on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. Spring inurnment in Chesley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Grey Bruce Hospice Inc. (Chapman House), CNIB, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.