Marjorie Rose (Donovan) Steeves

With profound sadness the family of Marjorie Rose (Donovan) Steeves announces her passing. Marjorie left behind a short autobiography which tells a tale of hardship but also one filled with joy and love from strong family bonds with her parents and siblings.

"I was born September 4, 1933 at Newcastle, Northumberland County, N.B., which was 20 miles from where my parents' home was in a countryside area called North Renous. My father's name was John Herman Donovan and my mother's name was Bridget Rose Mahoney.

I was the third child in our family; the oldest was my brother Francis and next was sister Dorothy. My mother often called me her 'Child of Tears', because in June of that year her mother Rose Mahoney took very ill, and three weeks before I was born Mother had gone to visit her; they lived four miles apart. Rose told her not to come visit her again and also not to come to the wake (that's what they called a funeral back then) because everyone was laid out at home. She died August 31, so that's the reason for the 'Child of Tears'; that's why I cry so easily, I guess.

My father was a lumberman so he was away a lot of the time. He would go after Christmas into the lumber camp and stay for weeks at a time, maybe months. It was a hard life, but that was what most men did, unless you were a farmer and had some lumber on your land."
From the autobiography of Marjorie Rose (Donovan)

Her childhood years posed many hardships. Not only was she a child of the Great Depression but during those years she lost her father at the tender age of six. As a young woman, Marjorie moved to Moncton where she met her husband Charles Steeves, with whom she built a cherished family. Together, they raised three daughters: Rebecca, Barbara (deceased), and Sally. Marjorie delighted in her role as grandmother to her six grandchildren: Hannah (Rebecca); Holly, Emmaline, and Matthew (Barbara); and Joseph and Abigail (Sally). Her joy multiplied with the births of her nine beloved great-grandchildren: Linh, Amelia, and Georgia (Hannah); Hero (Holly); Dove and Fern (Emmaline); Katie (Matthew); and Rowyn and Kieran (Joseph).

Known to her family and friends as an incredibly supportive presence, Marjorie could always be counted on for frank conversations and guidance (whether you wanted it or not), of course paired with a cup of tea. She was always up for a friendly game of crib, although she did love to win with a "double skunk". Her kitchen was a place of comfort and laughter for her family and friends. The door was always open.

Marjorie's life was one of faith, resilience, humor and love. She lived a life of modesty and never wanted praise or attention for her kind works. Marjorie was a woman with deep faith; she rarely missed watching daily mass. She was Woodstock's oldest member of the Catholic women's league with 61 years as a member.

Marjorie's sense of humour was with her to her last breath. Her final words to Hannah and Rebecca when she knew she was leaving were "It looks like I'm on the road again".

Marjorie leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, humour, and devotion that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her. Her comforting presence, endless patience, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.

The funeral will be held at The Holy Family Catholic Parish Church in Hanwell, NB on Friday, July 25th at 11am, followed by a reception. 1500 Hanwell Rd, Fredericton, NB E3C 1N3.

Scott Funeral Home, 815 Main Street, Woodstock, NB entrusted with arrangements

www.scottfh.com