We sadly announce the passing of Marjorie (Marj) Goring nee (Blythe) in her 97th. year.

She was born in Consett, County Durham, England and moved to Derby in her early years. She was the youngest of eight children, a surprise twin to her brother Maurice. Despite growing up during the depression and WWII, she often recalled the wonderful childhood she had, full of love and fun. She met the love of her life Ray (the best looking lad in Derby) in her teens. They were married on Christmas Eve and Mum said Dad was the best Christmas gift she ever got for close to 75 years of marriage. Mum was a seamstress and began her career after leaving school to work in a factory sewing coats and uniforms for the military and the girls often tucked little notes to soldiers in a pocket. She worked for many brand name companies as well as freelancing. She sewed many beautiful dresses for herself and her daughter and in her later years sewed frilly party dresses and summer dresses with matching hats for little girls. She loved to make Quillows, each one especially themed for the recipient and always had a craft project on the go.

Marj emigrated to Canada with her family in 1966, crossing the Atlantic on the SS Empress of England (with all of their belongings), to Montreal then traveled across Canada by train, a journey we all remember fondly. The family settled in Squamish, then Vancouver for a brief time then lived in Burnaby, Surrey, Chilliwack, Vernon to be closer to family and finally Lumby, BC.

Mum made friends easily and valued several special friendships over the years, many made with expats they met through the Merseyside club who became like family to us..
Marj loved children and sharing a song or story with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her the most joy. Music and singing was an important part of her life, she knew the words to hundreds of songs. She had a kind and gentle nature but could be strong and feisty when it was needed. Mum was an animal lover and we had many pets over the years but she had a special bond with a collie named “Rudy”, they were constant companions and she loved her deeply.

Mum and Dad traveled to England and New Zealand to visit family and also enjoyed trips to Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Spain, France and many USA destinations.

Marjorie is survived by children Philip (Jo Ann), Alison (David) and Ian (Dayle), grandchildren Kimberly and Kevin, Torin (Megan) and Vanessa (Cody), Aaron, Megan and Alanna (Denby). Great grandchildren Max and Alyssa, Scarlette, and Evelyn and Ian. Brother in law Roy (Dora) and Sister in law Maureen (Bill) as well as many nieces and nephews in England and New Zealand.

She was predeceased by her husband Ray (October, 2024), her mother Alice and father William Blythe, and all of her seven siblings.

We are grateful to Mum for the love, devotion and respect she showed in her care for our Dad through the many years of dementia and other health issues he had until her own health declined.

They spent the last few years together at Monashee Mews in Lumby and our family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful staff who cared for them.

Our family will gather at a later date to celebrate her life, cremation arrangements with Dignity Memorial.

Gone but forever within us. Aye up me duck!