Marjorie Christine Moore, M.D., M.R.C.O.G., F.R.C.S.

Dr. Marjorie Moore (nee Bremner) died after a brief illness.

Predeceased by her husband Dr Robert Moore [December 24, 1916 - December 12, 1963] and by her parents, Helen Bremner (nee McNaught) and James Bremner.

Marjorie's father was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Well known in agricultural circles, he moved to Toronto to work for the Canadian Jersey Cattle Association. Marjorie's mother graduated from Chatham High School and took a business course at a local convent.

Marjorie was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick on April 7, 1925. She was active in St Paul's United Church and the Canadian Girl Guides.

While in public school Marjorie won an award for sewing in the Fredericton Exhibition, which possibly stimulated her interest in being a surgeon.

Marjorie attended Fredericton High School and completed grades 12 and 13 in Toronto at North Toronto Collegiate Institute in 1943. Upon the family's move to Toronto, they joined Bloor St United Church and Marjorie was an active member in the church's Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT).

Because of the ongoing war, during one high school summer she worked at a binocular factory in Leaside. She always remembered with pleasure working as a waitress during the summer of 1944 at Bigwin Inn, where she served Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, who was a guest with her children.

Because of the war, students applied directly to medical school from high school so at the age of 18 Marjorie began medical school at the University of Toronto, joining the Class of 4T8. This group enjoyed many years of close friendship. Marjorie participated in every class reunion, most recently their 65th reunion in 2013.

In order to add diversion to her academic studies, she joined a branch of the Alpha Chi Omega fraternity, which was a source of long-lasting friendships. During one summer a friendship with a fraternity member led to an unexpected opportunity to work at the Regina General Hospital, which focused her interest in obstetrics. She returned to medical school having delivered a number of babies.

During another summer internship, she worked at the Saint John General Hospital in New Brunswick.

In 1948 Marjorie was one of two women accepted at Toronto General Hospital for her residency.

Following the encouragement of an older female medical student, Dr Dorothy Ley, Marjorie travelled to England to train toward her specialist certification in obstetrics and gynecology. She had to leave Canada in order to pursue specialization because U of T had trained two women in OB/Gyn in the previous ten years and did not accept any women into the program in 1949. She worked in Nottingham and London before returning to Toronto briefly, then worked as a general practitioner for a year in Smithers, BC.

She returned to England to finish her training in obstetrics and gynecology and earned her MRCOG.

While in London, joining a social gathering of the Canadian Overseas League, she had an opportunity to meet and shake hands with Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II.

She met her future husband, Dr Robert Moore, while working at the Central Middlesex Hospital in London, England and they married a year later in London on August 10, 1954. By marrying Robert she gained both a sister-in-law and brother-in-law who were doctors.

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 1990's. 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 80's, she continued her interest in women's reproductive health, assisting Dr Patrick Hewlett in his infertility clinic.

Marjorie mentored female medical students through her membership with the Christian Medical Association.

After her marriage, Marjorie was a long time member of the Salvation Army North Toronto Community Church.

She had time to continue her hobbies, including traveling, 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.

Survived by her sister, Dorothy Bremner, her three daughters, Christine Moore, Nancy Moore and Carolyn Moore, her son-in-law Dr Calum Turvey, her 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. Her caregivers, Alva Ancheta and Jenefer Urdelas, became part of the family through their compassionate involvement in Marjorie's daily life and well-being. Her daughters will be forever grateful for their kindness and empathy.

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.