In memory of
Mary Margaret (Marnie) Wigle
June 16, 1934 -
November 12, 2021
MARY MARGARET (MARNIE) LITTLEJOHN WIGLE. Born June 16, 1934, in Montreal, passed away on November 12, 2021, in Toronto in the company of family and love. Bidding her farewell and wishing her further adventures are her children Doug, Cam (Julie), Lindy, Jill (Lorena), and Bruce; and grandchildren Jamie (Deighna), Jeffrey (Victoria), Alfred, and many cherished nieces, nephews, friends, and her dear sister-in-law Catherine Littlejohn. Predeceased by her former spouse and the father of her children, Douglas, her beloved parents Edward and Margaret (née Lind) Littlejohn and brothers Edward and Hewett Littlejohn.
In her youth, Marnie attended John Ross Robertson Public School and Havergal College in Toronto where she excelled at many school sports. Marnie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from University College at the University of Toronto in her early 20s, and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies at York University in her early 50s. While attending classes at U of T, she was an active Varsity athlete and performer in musicals at Hart House.
A talented ballet dancer and artist with a zest for life, Marnie applied her creative muse in co-founding and working for many years at Art Collections Canada with close friends Jane Zeidler and Sheila Zeldin. Marnie never met a sport she didn’t like and had a not-so-subtle competitive streak. She continued to enjoy tennis, cross-country skiing, and rowing into her later years, and won numerous rowing medals competing in many World Masters Games. Marnie was also an enthusiastic volunteer (International Institute for Concern for Public Health, Art Gallery of Ontario, and others) and adventurous traveller. Some of her most memorable journeys included travelling on a cargo ship from New Zealand to the Marquesas Islands, paddling the Mackenzie River, and a camping safari in Malawi.
In her quieter moments, Marnie enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, bridge, and scrabble. She always relished spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was often found calling to the birds while picking blueberries at her beloved cottage in Georgian Bay. Marnie had a uniquely kind soul, generous spirit, and a playful sense of humour. Her ever-present smile revealed a joyful approach to life. An admirer of William Wordsworth’s poems, we know Mom is definitely dancing with the daffodils. We will miss her forevermore.
We would like to extend our deep gratitude to Belmont House and the wonderful medical, personal care, recreational, housekeeping, and dietary staff for their compassionate care in her final years. The family also extends their gratitude to Dr. Christine Chen at Princess Margaret Hospital for her many years of exceptional care.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will take place in the spring at an outdoor venue in Toronto; details forthcoming. Family and friends may leave their condolences at: https://mountpleasantgroup.permavita.com/site/MaryMargaretWigle.html. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to: Dixon Hall (https://dixonhall.org) or the Belmont House Foundation (https://www.belmonthouse.com).