We are saddened to announce that Marjorie (Marge) Anne Lawton (née Craig) passed away peacefully in Lennoxville, Quebec, on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 96.
Born in Howick, Quebec, on May 1, 1930, Marge was the daughter of Mervyn Craig and Mary Ellen (Nell) Craig. She lived a full life marked by dedication to her family, a strong work ethic, generosity, and a love of the simple pleasures that brought people together.
Marge began her working life as a secretary with Sun Life before pursuing her interest in nursing, completing three years of nursing school at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Following her training, she worked in a hospital before travelling to Europe for several months. She subsequently worked as an industrial nurse, working for several prominent organizations, including Northern Telecom, Rolls-Royce Aircraft Engine Division, and Canadian Pacific Railway and others.
Marge met Bill in 1952 while skating on a double date with Bob and Norma High. Although their paths took them in different directions for a time, with Marge working as a nurse in Bermuda and Bill travelling to Bogotá, Colombia, their relationship endured. They married in Howick in 1959, excited to begin their life together and raise a family of their own. Their daughter, Anne, was born in 1962, followed by their son, David, in 1964.
Family was always at the heart of Marge's life. She treasured summers at the family cottage in Dunany, Quebec, and spent many winters enjoying the sunshine in Panama City Beach, Florida, during retirement. These places became the backdrop for countless happy memories and family gatherings. Marge especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer, and Matthew, and took great joy in being their Grandma.
The cottage held a special place in Marge's heart. While Bill fed the birds, Marge delighted in feeding the hummingbirds. As autumn approached, she would also put food out for the raccoons, explaining that she was helping them prepare for winter. She loved hearing the children laughing and playing at the cottage, and those happy sounds were among the things she cherished most.
Marge was also an active member and volunteer at St. Genevieve United Church. Through her involvement with the United Church Women, she helped prepare meals and support the many events organized for the congregation. She valued the friendships and fellowship that came with being part of her church community.
Practical and thoughtful, Marge took a keen interest in investing and managing money. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to save and plan for the future, sharing the lessons she had learned throughout her own life. She also enjoyed visiting family in Howick, maintaining the connections to her roots that remained important to her.
Marge will be remembered for her generosity, her sense of fairness, and the care she showed to those around her. She found happiness in family gatherings, in the laughter of children, and in the familiar rhythms of cottage life. The memories she created and the values she passed on will continue to live on through the generations of her family.
Marge was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill, in 2023. She is survived by her daughter, Anne, and her husband, Pierre, and their children, Christopher and Jennifer; her son, David, and his wife, Sabrina, and their son, Matthew; along with extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.
A funeral service will take place on Thursday, November 12th, 2026 at 1:30 pm at the Cass Funeral Home, 3006 rue College, Sherbrooke QC J1M 1T9, and another service in the spring at Rideau Gardens Funeral Home in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec. Details will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grace Village Care Foundation in Lennoxville would be greatly appreciated.
Those wishing to honour Marge's memory are also invited to commit a random act of kindness in her name — a fitting tribute to a woman who cared for others throughout her life.
Marge's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.