We sadly announce the passing March 12, 2009 of Margaret (Peggy) Forbes Marshall (nee Hall); she died peacefully after a short illness in Victoria at Island View Place. Peggy, loving wife, mother and grandmother, is survived by sons Dr. Donald Forbes Marshall (Yolande Huitema) of Saanich BC and Prof. William Smithson Marshall (Dr. Penny Fuller) of Antigonish NS, grandchildren Lieneke (Richard Norman), Katherine (Chris McPhedran), Shannon, Alexander and Peter, and by Emma, a white Arabian dressage horse. Peggy was predeceased in 1996 by her loving husband of 58 years Dr. Willard Douglas Marshall MD, FRCS(C). Peggy was born December 17, 1911, only daughter of Margaret (nee Forbes) and Zacchariah Adam Hall of Hespeler ON, then owners of the Hall Foundary and Hespeler Hockey Sticks, where Z.A. Hall (former MPP Ontario) invented the two-piece hockey stick (1927). Peggy grew up in Guelph, Peggy
attended and graduated from Trinity College of the University of Toronto with a BA in 1933 and a Diploma in Librarianship in 1934. Peggy worked in the U of T library, married Doug on August 3, 1938, moved to England, then back to Canada during WWII, stationed at Airforce bases in Gander NF and Patricia Bay BC, where Doug was C.M.O.. Post-war she gave birth to Donald in Montreal (1947), Bill in Victoria (1951); was a devoted wife and mother to her male household and for recreational escape took up horseback riding in earnest. She was an accomplished dressage rider until 90, then took up dressage driving, winning her last ribbon at age 94. She was a NY Yankee fan. Peggy was a strong advocate for women’s rights through her allegiance to University Women’s Club and was president of the Victoria chapter from 1973-1975. We all enjoyed her frankness, her sense of rights and responsibility, her humour and her gutsy courage to carry on regardless of difficult circumstances. Special thanks to the staff of Island View Place and Beechwood Village for their dedication to Peggy.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Peggy Marshall’s life will be held at The Interfaith Chapel, University of Victoria on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 1:30 pm. Funeral arrangements are through McCall’s; in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Scholarship and Bursary Fund of the University Women’s Club at the Canadian Federation of University Women Victoria, 227-1581-H Hillside Avenue, Victoria BC, V8T 2C1.
14 Responses
Dear Marshall families, It was a privilege for me to be a neighbour to Peggy and Doug Marshall for many years. They were warm-hearted and gracious. Peggy combined the sturdiness of Ontario with the cheerfulness of Britilsh Columbia, and I am saddened by her departure from this life. My sympathy to you all. Helen Currie (and John and Cathy)
The Denny Family sends their love to you. My mother Helen passed away March 16th and I just know she and Peggy are up to tricks together. I have fond memories of your wonderful mother and remember being so impressed with her story of delivering Bill herself in the front hallway with the bread knife! (Your father delivered me at Royal Jubilee Hospital! ) We also cherish great memories of cruising with Scaup . Love Cathy Denny on behalf of all the Denny Family
Dear Dr. Marshall, Prof. Marshall and family,
We are sorry to hear about Mrs. Marshall’s passing and send our condolences to you all. We have known your parents since we were born as your father, Dr. Douglas Marshall delivered us in 1962 and 1964 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Rod’s middle name is Marshall. We fondly remember visiting your parents and their poodles (especially Charlie) at their house on Foul Bay Ave. We will miss talking with her about our mutual interest in horses and her caring and positive attitude.
Sincerely,
Richard Lee, Rod Lee and family
Peggy was a practical and feisty woman with a dry sense of humour. I got to know her when I was President of the CFUW Victoria Club (1985-87) and she was Chair of its Scholarship and Bursary Society (S & B). During my first year as President I was a full-time student at U. Vic and to facilitate our meeting, Peggy packed up sandwiches and a thermos flask so we could meet at my house over this “picnic” lunch in order to deal with S & B business.
The S & B Society remained dear to Peggy’s heart and she became Secretary for a year in the early ‘90s when that position was vacant. She had a lovely home that was always awash with naturalised daffodils in the spring. The last time I saw Peggy was at the 2007 S & B lunch where she was accompanied by her daughter-in-law. We sat together and had a chuckle because of her loss of hearing and my (temporary) loss of voice. I could not speak very much at all, but I was surprised at how many things Peggy remembered about my Presidency! Her mind and sense of humour were as keen as ever! The Club has lost a very good friend.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Peggy’s family, I’m sure she’s smiling upon you!
Audrey M. Thomas