It is with sadness, and deep appreciation for a life well lived, that the family of Marjorie Lucille McGillis announces her peaceful passing on July 9, 2026, at the age of 91 with her daughter at her side.

 

Born on March 12, 1935, in Stettler, Alberta, to Roy and Helen Watson, Marjorie was raised in Big Valley. She married Gordon McGillis at the age of 19, and together they welcomed three children: Robin, Donald, and Shanon.

 

Widowed while her children were young, Marjorie met life’s challenges with remarkable strength, determination, and grace. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family . Over the years she held a number of jobs in management. She later made her home in Rocky Mountain House, before moving to Red Deer.

 

Marj was independent, resilient, and wonderfully witty. She met life’s challenges head-on, with grit and usually a well timed spicy comment. She loved a good game of solitaire, a fresh perm, and never underestimated the importance of red lipstick. In her early years she enjoyed golf, curling and was a voracious reader. In recent years, if you asked how she was doing, she’d likely tell you she was “still kickin’… just not as high as she used to.”

 

She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon; her son, Don; and her grandchildren Raina, Jayden, and Brodie.

 

She leaves behind her loving children, Robin (Fred) and Shanon her cherished grandchildren Jesse (Carmen) and their son Reece, Sean, Kyla (Ryan) and their son Griffin, Shayna (Spencer) and their son Caden, Kirby (Andy) and their children Cohen, Cooper, and Luna, Bryden (Ashton) and their daughter Linden, as well as Raina’s children, Skylar and Lydia; together with many extended family members and friends.

 

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Red Deer Cemetery.  The family will be gathering at Moxies following the graveside for a chance to tell stories about her amazing life.

• Date : 2026-07-09
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home