With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Marjorie Jean Conrad on March 30, 2021 in Listowel Hospital. She was 80 years old, but everything about her, from her room-lighting smile to her passion for gardening and great conversation, spoke of a youthful joyous woman who made life worth living.
Marjorie was born to Jean and Fred Rody in 1940 in Chesley, Ontario, but grew up on a farm in Moorefield until she completed Toronto Normal School and became a teacher in West Montrose. She married David William Conrad in 1959 and they found a way back to the country to raise their kids. On their Wallaceville and Listowel farms they trained racehorses, gathered friends and family often, and hosted many a drop-in visit on Sunday afternoons. In Marj and Dave’s opinion, no one had to phone ahead, and three course meals could be prepared at a moment’s notice.
Marjorie is survived by her beloved husband, Dave, her children Sandy and Ian Burbidge of Paisley, John and Martha Rutherford-Conrad of Edmonton, and Dan Conrad of Owen Sound, and her much-cherished grandchildren Aidan, Morgan, Harriet and Grace.
Marjorie was predeceased by her older brother Ken Rody, and she is survived by seven other dear siblings, their spouses, and the extended family of beloved in-laws she gained when she married Dave. Their children, their children’s children, and the huge ever-growing circle of family connections delighted Marj. Everyone mattered and everyone was welcome in her circle of care. She celebrated their blessings and mourned their hardships. Compassion was her favourite language, and a fresh tea biscuit was an offering of love!
Marjorie worked for several years at the Listowel Post Office. She made many friends there, and got into lots of good trouble with her workmates. She was no stranger to hard work, yet somehow the fun just happened around her. The friendship bonds created in the early morning hours of mail sorting outlasted her work life, and right up to end, the “girls” were still looking for an excuse to get together and open a bottle of wine.
Marjorie’s passing casts a long shadow. She made lives better. She and Dave were a safe harbour for each other and those who needed them. Their life together was sweetened by gentle routines and small adventures. A bit of company, an afternoon drive, and late afternoon drinks on the porch made for a perfect day. They found a little bit of heaven on earth and they were happy to share it with others. She would not want her death to make us sad for too long. Wait for a beautiful day, she would say. Hang out the laundry and check out all the plants in the yard. Remember me in sunshine and smile.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors must schedule a time to attend by selecting RSVP below. Everyone attending must wear a mask.
A private family service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Please do not attend. Instead, the service will be live-streamed and we ask you to watch safely from your home.
The link will be available here shortly.
Memorial donations to Canadian Cancer Society or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Listowel would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
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Tuesday March 30th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Marjorie Conrad Tuesday March 30th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Listowel, Province: Ontario