Obituary of Marjorie Sharpe

MARJORIE MARY ALICE JOHNSTON SHARPE JUNE 5, 1931 - JUNE 13, 2016 Surrounded by her family, Marjorie passed away peacefully on Monday, June 13th at Mt Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Marjorie, Auntie Marj or Monu, as she was affectionately known, was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, mother and grandmother. Marjorie was an inspiration and pillar of strength to all who met her. She was a passionate advocate for many causes; not least of which included her family and community. Marjorie leaves behind her sister, Gladys Massey, her beloved grandkids - Meghan (James Ansley), Gordie (Katie) and Sarah Cheesbrough, Molly MacMillan - stepsons Alex and Steve Sharpe, and a closely knit and loving extended Johnston family; sister in-law Vivian Johnston, nieces and nephews; Marjorie (nee Johnston) Crocker, Geoffrey, Stewart, Clifford and Sandy Johnston, Arnold Massey, Heather (nee Massey) Dawson and Seana (nee Massey) Moorehead. Marjorie is predeceased by her loving husband Alex Sharpe, parents Dorice and Charles Johnston, brothers Geoffrey and Christopher Johnston and her cherished son, Gordon Cheesbrough. Marjorie was a tireless worker who after a short career as a teacher used her experiences to create programs to build and strengthen the communities in which she lived. While living in Woodstock, Illinois with her husband Alex, Marjorie championed numerous causes - environmental, juvenile justice and volunteerism - at the Junior League, which gained National attention during President Richard Nixon's tenure. One of Marjorie's greatest achievements was the restoration of the Woodstock Opera House, which continues to be a focal point of her adopted community. Moving back to Toronto in the 1980's, Marjorie became the first President and CEO of the Toronto Community Foundation, which she led successfully for 11 years. Marjorie remained very active in the community after her tenure and published a book of her learnings in not-for-profit at the age of 79 - Governing with Soul. Marjorie's move back to Toronto brought her closer to her family and to Sylvanrest, the Johnston family cottage of over 75-years on Lake Muskoka. Muskoka held a special place in Marjorie's heart as her favourite place in the world. She shared many memories in Muskoka and passed her love of the area on to her son and grandchildren. It was there that Marjorie also shared her enthusiasm for swimming, tennis and golf with her family. Marjorie's family and friends will forever be grateful for her 85 years. Her legacy will continue to burn bright as we honour her passion for family and giving back to our communities. The family would like to sincerely thank Renee Hayes, Merla Bravo and MariCris Barcelon who worked tirelessly over the years with Marjorie to provide the best support network a family could ask for. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue), from 6pm to 8pm on Monday, June 20. Funeral service will be held in TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, on Tuesday, June 21 at 11:00 am. Private interment. A reception will be held at THE BADMINTON & RACQUET CLUB, 25 St Clair West, following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Marjorie J. Sharpe Fund at Toronto Foundation which supports her favourite charities. Online: https://torontofoundation.ca/fund/marjoriesharpe or by calling Toronto Foundation at 416-921-2035. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.