Marjorie Mary Florence Short

Joyful, curious, strong, and fun are words that come to mind as our family announces the passing of our matriarch, Marjorie Mary Florence Short (nee: Leutwein). Marjorie came into this world 100 years ago on August 24, 1924.

The youngest of four children of Leroy and Elizabeth Leutwein (siblings Betty, Ernest, Ruth), Marjorie took charge early and curated life on her own terms. She wasn't spared hard times, losing her childhood companion and husband William E. Short to war in 1945. Left to raise her infant son John Short alone, she returned to her parents, siblings, and the family home on Churchill Drive to raise him. This home remains in the family to this day. In later years, she took comfort and pride in being able to visit her gardens and have Christmas dinner there every year, surrounded by her family.

She will be remembered as a person you could be instantly comfortable with; that was the magic of her personality. Marjorie had an independent, adventurous streak, reflected in her passion for travelling; North American road trips (always her at the wheel), Caribbean, European, and Mediterranean bus trips and cruises. Many of these adventures were enjoyed with dear friends and family whose relationships she treasured and reminisced about often.

Marjorie had two daughters-in-law - with Linda Morris, Marjorie developed a mutual, loving relationship that lasted to the end of her life. John and Linda have two children together - Ian Short (Wendy Keruzore) and Lisa Short (Peter Faragher). With Rebecca Elliott, she gained additional family to love and appreciate for the last 40 years - Rebecca’s son William (Daria) Elliott and daughter Sophia (Phllip) Connell. The heartbreaking news of Marjorie’s passing was received with equal sadness by all of them and their 11 children.

Marjorie gave her grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren (Lily, Cameron, Katherine, John, Laura, Zofia, Madeline, Alice, Thomas, Klara, Krystyna) doses of love and sensibility, all in good measure. She led by example, infusing her day with activity, hobbies, and a well-balanced meal. Her way of being found her at the centre of a family that loved her dearly. In all of this, her focus was always on harmony, goodwill, and caring.

We would like to thank the staff at Chartwell Queen's Square, and the Paramed and Palliative Care teams for their love and support.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, October 8th from 2-5 pm, in the Tap Room at Tapestry Hall, 74 Grand Ave. South, Cambridge. Remarks will begin at 3:30 pm. A map of nearby parking can be found here: https://orange-maritsa-65.tiiny.site/

In lieu of flowers, donations to Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation, Trinity Anglican Church, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. An act of kindness to a loved one or friend in memory of Marjorie would also be fitting.