It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Marjorie Joyce Doell on April 18, 2026, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. Predeceased by the love of her life, husband John (Jack) who passed in October 2025, Marjorie developed respiratory issues within days of what would have been their 65th wedding anniversary. While Marjorie initially rallied, she could not overcome her illness and, with family by her side, Marjorie peacefully joined John and her Lord.
Marjorie was born on December 29, 1941, to parents Peter and Caroline in Sudbury, Ontario. As a young girl, the family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Marjorie grew up loving the rolling landscape of the prairies. Growing up in the 1940’s and 1950’s, Marjorie lead a life fairly typical of the time. When she met a 21-yr old sailor named John (Jack), life changed. They married and had 4 sons – Lance, Trevor, Casey and Jody – and the couple had their hands full. The family created experiences and memories that would mould the foundations of their children’s lives.
A particularly fond memory of which Marjorie spoke often was the time she and Jack took their 4 young boys to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for a job opportunity that Jack couldn’t pass up. The family spent two years working and travelling in Africa and the surrounding area. Upon returning to Canada, as her kids aged and there was a reasonable expectation that they would not burn the house down or severely injure each other, Marjorie felt something was missing. No longer required to be a referee to keep the peace, Marjorie sought to rejoin the ranks of the working. Most memorable were her years working with Ray Hnatyshyn, former Governor General, during his time as lawyer and statesman, and she spoke fondly of these days often. She spent many years working at what is now known as the Court of King’s Bench of Saskatchewan and eventually retired from this position.
Marjorie, with Jack, enjoyed retirement and travelled often to Hawaii. She and Jack settled in Victoria, BC and welcomed the visits of their sons and families. Marjorie loved showing off her sons when they would visit and especially loved her roles as Grandma and GGMa (great grandma).
Heartfelt appreciation is extended by our family to the paramedics, doctors, nurses and care-aides at Royal Jubilee Hospital, and the staff at Selkirk Seniors Village who helped take care of Marjorie’s daily needs.
Marjorie and John’s final resting place is in The Columbarium at St. John’s Cathedral, 816 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H4.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marjorie Doell to the Parkinson Wellness Projects, #202 – 2680 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC V8T 5E1 or website: www.parkinsonwellness.ca or the Canadian Lung Association, www.lung.ca
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Doell” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Don Ravis
-
Lloyd Wyshynski My condolences to the Doell families. I read your mom‘s obituary this morning and didn’t realize that your dad had passed away also. My condolences. I was in Yellowknife in October dealing with Blair’s estate, and missed his obituary. Some of my conversations with Jack have stuck with me. I commented one time “You are a wealthy man, but you don’t spoil your children.” He replied “No I don’t, but it is important to help them when they need help.“ Once again, my sincere condolences, and with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approaching, may fond memories of your parents be with you at this time.
-
Ladine Drader Jody:
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
Sending love and prayers
-
JANICE ROWE DOELL It is with great sorrow to hear of Marj’s death and I am deeply sorry to hear of Jack’s death also. She devoted her life around her husband. She loved all her grandchildren and her sons. She was a lady in every capacity that I recall. I don’t remember ever hearing her cuss/swear. She had a great sense of humour, had a great love of cooking and was a great talker and had a ear for listening. Loved crocheting for her grandchildren and a strong devotion to the church community of making tiny garments for babies.
Although my relationship with her ended with my divorce to Lance 14 years ago, I am always thankful and honored to have known such a great lady. She was like a second mother to me.
With sincerest condolences to the Doell Family.
Janice
I was so saddened to read of Marjorie’s passing not that long after losing her partner Jack.We chatted recently about his memorial service and her plans to honor him at the Battle of Atlantic Memorial here at HMCS Unicorn. We got to know them in Saskatoon when Jack and I were fellow naval officers. They were good decent people who were respected in their community and made a difference in our city.
My wife and I send our sincere condolences to the Doell family.
Don Ravis