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
To the Marshall family, I first met Peggy when I was a young girl working for Gill Dunlop and I would take her for trail rides in Parksville.Years later she took many a clinic from me in Victoria. I so enjoyed her pluck , love of the horse and the twinkle in her eye. She will be sadly missed.Yours truly, Libby Naylor
To Dr D. Marshall & Family. We send you our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Mother & Grandmother. We met Peggy in July 2006 ,on moving into Beechwood Village, and shared many fun times with her at New Years Eve gatherings &, shows put on by our Beechwood chorus, where Peggy was usually a willing and entertaining part of the show. Jock grew up in Guelph, and he & Peggy shared lots of memories of places & people, and enjoyed reminiscing with her.She had a very sharp wit and usually had something positive to say about everything. We miss her Jock & Lenore Marsh
I met Peggy 20 years ago, working together at dressage shows. From the first moment, I knew her diminuitive stature and bright smile went along with a strong spirit. It was best not to argue with her advice- mostly because she was usually right. She set a shining example to women throughout her life in her many endeavors and I would be happy to be as gracious and active as she was.
Vale Peggy.
Mike and I met Margaret many years ago at Kitty and Gerald Curry’s in Cobourg. She was such a warm intelligent and vital woman, very proud of her family and obviously a very good and loyal friend. Our deeepest sympathies to Donald, William and their families.
Sincerely
Faith and Michael Jones
Dr. Marshall, you and your family are in our prayers
Sincerely Patricia & Joe Van Eyk, Sandra Wilkins
Dear Marshall Boys — I remember Mrs. Marshall as a great friend of my mother. They were always found laughing while getting involved with the Margaret Jenkins PTA (in the mid 50’s) In particular mending library books for the school. The would often get together for a cuppa tea or something stronger and debate the world’s issues. Always a great kind soul and a true, longtime friend.
I am not so sure heaven is ready for the two of them!!
Sorry for your loss,
Barbara Lee Hallberg
I have admired Peggy for a long time. She was a cheerful colleague in riding and a generous supporter of Cadora. She will be fondly remembered.
Berit Turner
Peggy Marshall was a champion, respected and loved by the membership of the Victoria Saanich Cadora. She has moved on to be with her many friends and loved ones. We wish her well.
Affectionately, Dawn Ruthven
Dear Marshall family,
It was with deepest sadness that I posted our dear Peggy’s obituary yesterday on our notice board at Amica at Beechwood Village. For those gathered at morning coffee, we shared some wonderful and very happy memories. We carried on those memories long into the day and evening. Peggy was one of a kind. She had the most brilliant smile and positive attitude, no matter what the situation. She was a true inspiration to us all. Whether it was being a good sport and portraying a well acted reindeer in the Beechwood Chorus Christmas Concert or a proud participant in our annual Art Show with her wonderful chinese brush paintings, Peggy always, always, was a shining star. My own personal favorite, which coincidentally came just this time of year, almost to the day, was being able to fulfill a wish Peggy shared with me. “I want to do a precision drill with my walker before I die!” After I stopped laughing, it hit me…………of course, St. Patrick’s Day party night! So we gathered up a few friends, my partner Gerry and I put together a rather impressive routine, we got the walkers all dolled up in green streamers, balloons, sparkles, leprechaun hats for all, had a few hilarious practices, and were ready for the big night! Well, let’s just say St. Patrick would have been very proud. The audience was in tears from laughing and our dear Peggy was a happy and fulfilled little lady.
We will always love you Peggy and keep you very dear to our hearts. Thank you so much for being such a special angel to us all. Happy Trails, dear friend.
Much Love, Trish and all your friends at Beechwood.
I managed W.& J. Wilson Ltd., in Oak Bay for many years. I had many great conversations with Mrs . Marshall over the years. She was a delightful lady with such a refreshing sense of humour. We had horses ourselves so our talks often came back to her love of horses. I enjoyed serving her and she was always appreciative of our ideas and suggestions. I retired from Wilsons about four years ago but have fond memories of customers that made my time in the store happy and rewarding. Mrs. Marshall always had a smile and a kind word. She will be remembereed.