MARJORIE CHRISTINE MOORE
M.D., M.R.C.O.G., F.R.C.S.
Dr. Marjorie Moore (nee Bremner) died after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Robert Moore (December 24, 1916 – December 12, 1963) and by her parents, Helen Bremner (nee McNaught) and James Bremner. She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Christine Moore, Nancy Moore and Carolyn Moore, her sister, Dorothy Bremner, son-in-law Dr. Calum Turvey, four grandchildren, Robert Turvey, Greig Turvey, Alex Turvey and Gillian Turvey, longtime family friend, Stephen Campbell as well as extended family members in New Brunswick, the United States and England. The family is forever grateful to Marjorie’s loving caregivers, Alva Ancheta and Jenefer Urdelas.
Marjorie was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick on April 7, 1925. She attended Fredericton High School but completed grades 12 and 13 at North Toronto Collegiate Institute in 1943. Applying directly to the University of Toronto Medical School at the age of 18, Marjorie graduated with the class of 1948 (4T8) and was one of only 2 women accepted for residency at Toronto General Hospital. In 1949 she travelled to England to complete post-graduate training in obstetrics and gynecology working in Nottingham and London before returning to Toronto briefly, then worked as a general practitioner for a year in Smithers, BC. Returning to England, she earned her MRCOG and met her future husband, Dr. Robert Moore, while working at the Central Middlesex Hospital in London where they married a year later on August 10, 1954. Following her marriage, they moved to Philadelphia where Robert, an internist, was awarded a fellowship in rheumatology. While there, Marjorie worked in a medical laboratory and as a teaching assistant in obstetrics.
In 1955 they moved to Toronto where Marjorie had hospital privileges at Women’s College Hospital. This relationship was maintained until her retirement in the 1990s. Marjorie delivered thousands of babies and will be remembered by her patients for her boundless enthusiasm. She became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. During her final years of practice, well into her 80s, she continued her interest in women’s reproductive health, assisting Dr. Patrick Hewlett with his infertility clinic.
After her marriage, Marjorie was a longtime member of the Salvation Army North Toronto Community Church. She had time to continue her hobbies, including travelling, reading, opera, music, cooking, history, quilting and knitting. Marjorie didn’t miss any aspect of life as a woman in the twentieth century. She loved and was loved. She shared herself and accepted the gifts and burdens of others. She worked and played and grieved. She embraced life and turned away from bitterness. She had a wonderful sense of humour.
The family appreciates the care provided by Carefree Lodge, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army or to Women’s College Hospital.
A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Estonian Church (817 Mount Pleasant Road). Burial to follow in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery (375 Mount Pleasant Road). For online condolences please visit www.etouch.ca.