Marjorie Kay Ryan

Marjorie Kay Ryan’s life story began and ended in Moose Jaw, SK.  She was born September 30th, 1942, and, mercifully passed away at her home on Friday, December 1st, 2023, following a stoic 30-year battle with cancer.  A battle she vigorously fought with both grace and profound determination, proving the courage and strength of character for which she was so well known.

Marjorie started school in Moose Jaw, graduated high school in Craik, SK, then went on to complete a Medical Secretary Course in Saskatoon, SK.  Upon completion of her post-secondary education, she worked briefly in Saskatoon at a medical specialist office before returning to Craik where she married Rob, and they had three children.  They lived on the Ryan farm near Aylesbury, SK; she then moved to Craik with her children, followed by a move to Moose Jaw in 1977.  Not long after arriving she met Neil, and their multi-decade adventures began!  A work transfer for Neil sent them west to Swift Current, SK in 1985.  Upon leaving Swift Current, Marj landed back in Moose Jaw and Sun Valley before her final move to Mulberry Estates in Moose Jaw.

Marj always had a strong interest in the medical field, which was befitting for her incredible kindness and caregiving skills.  She made time to listen when ever someone needed a shoulder to lean on – she was confidant and advisor to so many.  Her natural inclination to care for others was evident, whether it was a pet, a stranger, a friend, a neighbor, a patient, a co-worker, or family.  She had incredible resilience often defying the odds.  Her humility did not allow her to fully appreciate the significance and impact she had on those surrounding her.  Marjie K was tough, demanding of herself, humble, brave, perseverant, a true warrior.

Marj held multiple roles throughout her life, including working at her parents T&T lunch counter and gas station along the old highway in Craik, farm/ranch duties, Church Secretary, Hospital Bookkeeper, Clerk at Cargill Grain, Administrative Assistant at Swift Current Accord Agencies, Board Member, Special Care Aide at Ina Grafton Gage Home, member of Beta Sigma Phi, and volunteer Medical First Responder with Buffalo Pound First Responders.  Her often challenging and most exceptional role was being a mother to her children; always displaying an incredible ability to conquer any challenge with strength and love.

Her passions included spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They had a very special bond with their Omie, lake life at Sun Valley – Buffalo Pound, flowers, quilting/sewing, stained glass, crafting, playing cards, watching curling and baseball, traveling (fond memories include excursions to England, Maui, Canadian East & West Coasts), and her numerous dogs.  

She was predeceased by her parents, George and Aileen (née: Van Druff) Carveth; former in-laws, Russell and Eileen (née: Wallace) Ryan; and ex-husband, Rob Ryan (2023).  Marj leaves behind her long-time partner, Neil Montgomery and their dog, Kobi; daughter, Leslie (Trent) Willfong; grandchildren: Tanner (Courtney) and their sons Kayce and Iver, Tory (Tessa) and their daughters Charlee and Birdie; son, Michael Ryan; daughter, Nicole Hudec; grandchildren: Josh and his sons Skyler and Tommy, Adam (Robyn), George and Katie; stepson, Todd Montgomery and family; stepdaughter, Brenda Getzlaf and family; as well as many cousins and friends.  

A very special thank you to ALL the staff at Moose Jaw Home Care / Palliative Care … words cannot express the profound gratitude towards this team of incredible people; some of which became not only caregivers but also cherished friends.  Your kindness, knowledge, skill, compassion, dedication, and continuous support is appreciated beyond words.  There were so many others that were a part of enabling Mom to stay at home and assisted in extending the gift of her love and her presence for as long as she did.  

At Marj’s request, a small family gathering/graveside will be held in the Spring of 2024.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Marj’s memory may be made to FHHR Home Care Palliative Program c/o Crescent View Clinic, 131 – 1st Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0Y9.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550