Obituary of Marjorie Marie Pelkey (nee Doherty)

Marie passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 96 years old. Born in Stratford, Ontario on April 22, 1929, to Joseph and Marjorie Doherty. She was predeceased by her siblings Jack and Bill Doherty and Elenore Austin. She was also predeceased by her loving husband Gerald Vincent of 62 years. She will be missed by her loving family. Marie is survived by her four children, Donna Austin of Winnipeg, MB, Joan Kelly (Joe) of Venice, FL, Patty Yantz (Brian) of Waterloo, ON and Steve Pelkey (Karen) of Vernon, BC. She will be fondly missed by her 4 grandchildren, Brandon and Stephanie Yantz and Ryan and Shane Pelkey.

After attending St. John’s College in Brantford, Marie trained as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. She then went on for Post Graduate Nursing at the University of Western in London, Ontario. Her career took her north doing VON Nursing throughout Northern Ontario. She met and married Gerry, and settled in Sudbury. In 1964, they moved to Oakville. Later work transfers would see them relocate to Winnipeg and then back to their beloved Oakville. She was a devoted stay at home mother for many years. She began a new career in business as Welcome Wagon Hostess. Ultimately, she rose in the ranks to retire as CEO. Her Catholic faith was extremely important to her. Over the years, she attended Sunday mass as often as she could. She was a longtime member of the IODE.

Marie formed many friendships in her lifetime, among the earliest was Shirley and Dr. Jim Henderson of Sudbury. From her Welcome Wagon days, she became very close to Joan McKellar, Irene Renaud and Pauline Hill. Additionally, she had a very strong bond with the Oakville Bridge Club ladies and her Winnipeg TGIF group, who all relocated to Oakville. She is eternally grateful for a lifetime of laughter, love and friendship.

Marie was an inspiration to many and her smile will be deeply missed. Marie and her family were touched and felt supported by the wonderful staff at University Gates where she has lived for the past four years. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for all your kindness.

At the request of the family, a small private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Waterloo, Ontario.