Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Marjorie Lillian Martin

Female 1929 - 2005  (75 years)


Personal Information    |    Notes    |    Sources    |    Event Map    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name Marjorie Lillian Martin 
    Born 16 May 1929  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4
    Gender Female 
    Name Marj Martin 
    Name Marjorie Lillian Voegtle 
    Eby ID Number Waterloo-96838 
    Died 28 Mar 2005  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [2, 3, 4
    Buried Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [2, 3, 4
    Person ID I96838  Generations
    Last Modified 26 Feb 2024 

    Father Richard Thomas Martin,   b. 3 Dec 1903, London, England Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 25 Jul 1974, Peterborough, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 70 years) 
    Mother Esther Raines,   b. 1910, Newnham, , Kent, England Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 Aug 1996, Peterborough, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 86 years) 
    Family ID F45689  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Melvin Edward Voegtle,   b. 19 May 1927, of, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 16 Jul 2007, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 80 years) 
    Married 23 Apr 1949  St. John's Anglican Church, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [5
    Children 
     1. Sandra Elaine Voegtle,   b. 1950,   d. 21 Nov 1990, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 40 years)
    Last Modified 2 Mar 2024 
    Family ID F29257  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • VOEGTLE-MARTIN MARRIAGE RITES ARE SOLEMNIZED

      Vows were exchanged Saturday in the Church of St. John the Evangelist by Marjorie Lillian Martin, Kitchener, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Martin Peterborough, formerly of Kitchener, and Melvin Edward Voegtle, son of Mr. & Mrs. Melvin S. Voegtle, Knollwood Park. Rev. G.C.W. Mixer officiated in a setting of white carnations, snapdragons, ferns and tall white candles.

      During the ceremony "I'll Walk Beside You" and "O Perfect Love" were sung by the soloist, Mr. Albert Martin, with Mr. Kenneth Clark as organist.

      HAS PEARL CORONET

      Wearing a gown of ivory satin made with picture neckline, net yoke and fitted bodice that fell in points over a bouffant skirt, the bride was given in marriage by her father. Her long illusion veil was caught by a pearl coronet headdress. She carried a bouquet of better times roses.

      Similarly styled gowns were worn by the maid of honor, Miss Kay Voegtle sister of the bridegroom, and the bridesmaid, Miss Elaine Martin of Peterborough, sister of the bride. The dresses were made of yellow and orchard moire taffeta with fitted bodices and full skirts. Both attendants nile green headdresses and mittens and carried cascades of talisman roses and sweet peas.

      BRIDES BROTHER ATTENDANT

      Mr. George Martin, brother of the bride, was best man. Mr. Richard Martin Jr., Peterborough and Mr. Robert Voegtle ushered. Ninety guests attended the evening reception at Hillcrest Inn, Bridgeport which followed a dinner for the immediate family. The mothers of the couple received. Mrs. Martin wearing powder blue crepe with black accessories and corsage of red roses, and Mrs. Voegtle dressed in black crepe with pink and black accessories.

      The bride travelled in a gray gabardine suit, complemented with pink accessories. After a wedding trip to Rochester and Elmira N.Y., they will reside in Kitchener.

      The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 25 Apr 1949

      _________________________

      Marj writes: I am the oldest child in the Dick Martin clan. I had a very normal childhood, baby-sitting, Brownies, Jr. Choir, etc. I met Mel at a Church young peoples group. My first real shock came in 1948 when Mom, Dad and all the kids but George and I, moved to Peterborough. Mel and I were married in 1949 and we started our own family, Sandy, Brian, Kathy and Kim. I taught Sunday School and was a Brownie Leader for many years. I took on the job of treasurer of my A.C.W. and I'm still doing it. We were involved with the M.S. Society fund raising and the patient drop in center, and where ever needed. Being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and sister, with all lives ups and downs has been a very important part of my life.

      ____________________________


      VOEGTLE, Marjorie "Marj"- Peacefully, at home with her family, on Monday, March 28, 2005, in her 76th, year. Loving wife of Mel for 55 wonderful years. Beloved mom of Sandy (1990), Brian (Sharon), Kathy and Kim. Special grandma to Tory (Curtis), lan, Abi, Michelle and Brian. Devoted grandma to her greats, Mathew, Zachary, Noah and Little Sophie xoxo. Special friend to Harry and Kathy Hoist. Sadly missed by her siblings, Elaine (Jack), Dick (Cathy), Mary Ann (Ron), Diane (Roy), Butch (Debbie) and her aunt Vivian Martin (George). Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by her parents, Richard and Esther Martin and her brother, George (Mary). Relatives and friends are invited to Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home and Chapel, Kitchener for visitation today (Tuesday) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Transfer will take place on Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 9 a.m. for a funeral service at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (237 Wilson Ave., Kitchener) at 11 a.m., Rev. Julia Gill officiating. Interment Woodland Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Holy Trinity Anglican Church or the Alzheimer Society.


      The Record Newspaper 29 Mar 2005

      ________________________


      Eulogy written and delivered by Mr. Ron King

      MARJORIE LILLIAN MARTIN VOEGTLE
      May 6, 1929 ~ March 28,2005

      I am greatly honoured to have been asked to be a part of this celebration of the life of "Marjorie Lillian Martin Voegtle". As her brother-in-law I have seen her in many roles ~ as a loving, caring daughter to Esther and Dick, 'honey' to her life-long partner Mel and as a loving and ever supportive Mom to Sandy, Brian, Kathy and Kim. Marj was a much loved grandmother and great grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, cousin and friend to many.

      As we celebrate and share our memories, let's focus for a few moments on what made Marj "Marj". There is a table grace I love to use ~ "Thank you, God, for family and friends in a world where many walk alone; thank you for food in a world where many go to bed hungry; thank you for faith in a world where many live without hope."

      Marj's life fits so well into these three categories ~ family and friends, food, and faith.

      Firstly, Marj was never rich in the conventional way, but she had all the wealth she desired in family and friends.
      As a couple, Marj and Mel loved unconditionally and worked well together, sharing dreams and plans for their life together. Living apart for over a year while Mel worked long hours in Elliott Lake in order to accumulate the down payment on their home ~ a home they maintained with pride for close to fifty years. When Marj's illness was first diagnosed she told Mel, "we'll do what we have always done, we'll just do the best we can."

      Marj's children have been left with a legacy of love and wonderful memories. She had a sense of adventure and love d to travel, but she was afraid of heights. This was a problem when she visited Kathy and Liz in Vancouver because of the bridges and mountain roads. In 1982 Marj made her first trip west with Tory and Kim. The prospect of going over the Lion's Gate Bridge was alarming to her. She was told to close her eyes and was placed in the middle of the front seat. Not one to miss anything, Marj squeezed her eyes closed but couldn't resist peeking and commenting on the sights as they crossed the bridge. She also insisted on taking her turn riding in the back of the pickup despite the difficulty getting her in and out. This would prove to be the first of many wonderful adventures Marj and Mel would have with Kathy and Liz over the years.

      Marj always enjoyed being part of Sandy's exploits, and was, at times, a little scandalized at what Sandy would bring home ( hidden on various parts of her being) from one of her many trips to the U.S.A.

      Called upon to face the illness and death of her firstborn, Marj found the inner strength that her faith provided, caring for Sandy throughout her struggle. She found courage to help her family through that very difficult time. This example was the one her family adopted as they cared for her in the same way over these past weeks.

      The girls always said that Brian was the one who could do no wrong. He admits that perhaps his halo has acquired a few dents over the years, but he always managed to get back into his Mom's good graces. Marj was so proud of his appearances on the local news and always reported to him before he had had an opportunity to see the news himself.

      For Marj, having Kim living at home gave her much pleasure. All of Kim's friends became her friends, perhaps in part because Marj had a wonderful ability to relate to people of all ages. She was able to recognize the needs of others and encourage them to look at the positive side, just as she did. Never learning to drive herself, she loved the girls' outings with Kim, which afforded her the independence which she really appreciated.

      Marj never tired of talking ( pause ~ Oh, I wasn't supposed to stop there!) Marj never tired of talking about her grandchildren and great grandchildren ~ never tired of applauding their accomplishments. At gymnastic meets, dance recitals, soccer, hockey and ball games, baptisms and confirmations. Knowing each child so intimately, each birthday and Christmas gift was chosen with infinite care.
      Marj's devotion to her grandkids was never more evident than when she was very ill ~ being made aware that it was the birthday of a granddaughter who was visiting, she offered a weak rendition of the birthday song and said "be sure to sign the card lots of love from Gramma."

      Hundreds of photos and so much evidence of her love surrounding them will ensure that they will be aware each day of the legacy their Gramma left them.

      Marj had six brothers and sisters who will remember ~
      *Southampton summer vacations
      *Marj's insistence that the Hit Parade was more important than the hockey game on Saturday night radio
      *her cold feet always wrapped in her younger sister's nightie
      *the extra pot of chili she made for her 'little' brother at the campgrounds
      *the Sauble Beach euchre game which lasted for years and which Marj never won
      *her presence at the 'sibling' luncheons
      *her love of Swiss Chalet chicken soup and lemon pie
      *the pajama party which took place around her bed on her last night on earth ~ the
      laughter and the chocolates
      *her never-failing interest and support in all of their lives family, friends, food…….

      How could something so ordinary as food be so important in one's life? I believe Marj's hospitality was a ministry for her. Around the kitchen table, by the campfire, celebratory dinners in restaurants, Marj loved getting together! Over dinner she would listen, offer advice, provide comfort and encouragement.

      Food was an outward expression of Marj's generosity and thoughtfulness. Each Christmas she made hundreds of cookies for the bazaar here at Holy Trinity and for special parcels for family and friends.

      Kathy's Christmas parcel arrived in Vancouver on a Greyhound bus each December. In it would be Marj's cookies. In time there were two packages, one labeled Kathy and the other Liz. A few years ago Marj learned that Kathy's friend Karilee enjoyed her sugar cookies because they tasted just like her Mom's. Of course the next December there was an additional parcel labeled 'Karilee', who rationed her cookies so they would last until St. Patrick's Day.

      Marj loved to eat, but she loved even more the fellowship that a meal always afforded. family and friends, food, faith.~
      Often included in a celebration of life service is Psalm 23, the words very familiar to all of us. There is a story of a Sunday School teacher who spent some time talking with her students about this psalm and decided to challenge them to memorize it. Returning the following week, she asked if any student would care to recite the psalm. You may imagine how surprised she was when a four year old volunteered! Standing tall and giving a little curtsy, she said ~ "the Lord is my shepherd, and that's all I want"

      This story illustrates a simple, trusting faith in a loving, caring God. This was Marj's faith ~ one which grew and developed through worship, Alpha courses, Womens' conferences, ACW retreats, prayer and bible study.

      It is so fitting that we honour her life here in this sanctuary. Marj always said that the day she and Mel joined this faith community was the day their lives changed.

      One of her church friends told me just yesterday ~ "Marj didn't just work at Holy Trinity with her hands, she worked with her heart" Marj was so proud of her ACW involvement, especially her nearly forty years as treasurer!

      Marj, however, was not a saint. She was sometimes rather outspoken in her opinions, telling the leaders of this church that she didn't mind the contemporary music, but she wouldn't want a steady diet of it. She was known to have muttered a little about all of the money spent on the new organ as well.

      Marj climbed many mountains in her life but with her faith and the unfailing support of her family and her church family she was able to overcome the obstacles. As in the past, the Holy Trinity family has been a source of help and encouragement over the past few months. The gift of the prayer service was one which encouraged her and convinced her that she was, indeed, special.

      Marj was truly a woman of faith who honoured that faith with the way she lived her life. She left this world with the assurance that there was a room prepared for her, a room she would share with the loved ones who have gone ahead.

      Several years ago, while traveling in Scotland, we had the opportunity to visit the Tall Ships in port in Edinburgh, touring them and meeting the crews. Returning another day, we watched as the ships sailed out of the harbour. What a magnificent sight! It was with a touch of sadness that we watched, realizing that this was something we would never see again. Then it occurred to us that there would be a wonderful welcome for them at their next port, with thousands ready to cheer them into the harbour.

      Aren't we feeling a little that way today? Only in our memories will Marj be a part of our everyday lives. But,, think of the other shore, where a wonderful welcome awaits Marj. Mom, Dad, Sandy, George and Mary and a host of others waiting with smiles and hugs. A welcome like one she has never known!

      Smooth sailing, Marj. Go with our love.

  • Sources 
    1. [S350] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Kitchener Daily Record 1919-1947, 7 May, 1929.
      Birth; Martin- May 6 at K-W hospital to Mr. & Mrs. Richard Martin, 205 Breithaupt St., daughter.

    2. [S490] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - The Record (1994-March 2008), Obituary of Marjorie Marj Voegtle - 29 Mar 2005.

    3. [S87] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Woodland CC#4510 Internet Link .
      Voegtle/ Marjorie L./ Martin/ May 16, 1929/ Mar. 28, 2005/ Beloved/ Wife And Mother/ Melvin E./ Voegtle/ May 19, 1927/ / Beloved Husband And Father/ Loved Always And Never Forgotten
      [2020 update] Melvin died July 16, 2007

    4. [S3231] Find A Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/199843657/marjorie-l-voegtle.

    5. [S74] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Kitchener-Waterloo Record (1948-1994), Wedding annoucement - 25 Apr 1949.

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 16 May 1929 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarried - 23 Apr 1949 - St. John's Anglican Church, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - 28 Mar 2005 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - - Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth