Marjorie (Ostrom) Philbin

Philbin, Marjorie May – passed away peacefully August 15,,2020 in Timmins.  Marjorie was born April 14, 1936 to Jack (Ostrom) and Pansy (Lunam) in South Porcupine, Ontario and was the second youngest of their five children. She is survived by her daughter Alanna (Philbin-Way), son-in-law Michael (Way), two grandsons Matthew and Nathan (Way), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, siblings and her husband, Gordon Philbin.

Marjorie’s best friend was her sister Sybil (Mahon).  It was Sybil who set Marj and Gord up on a blind date that sparked a great love.  Sybil thought they would be perfect together and she was right.  Marj and Gord were happily married for 54 years until his death in 2015.  Over the years, the Mahon’s and the Philbins spent many fun weekends and holidays together.

Marj was an elementary school teacher and started her career teaching in Matheson, at the tender age of 17.  After her marriage to Gord, she taught in Timmins and then in Scarborough while Gord earned his teaching credentials.  They moved to New Liskeard in 1964 and Marjorie started teaching grade one at New Liskeard Public school while Gord taught at New Liskeard Secondary School.  When they learned they were expecting their daughter, Marj gave up being a full-time teacher to raise Alanna and did not resume teaching until she was school age.  Teaching was her passion and she touched the lives of many.

Marjorie loved children.  She always welcomed neighbors’ children and her daughter’s friends to the house.  It was not unusual to see many children playing in her yard while she watched. Many of Alanna’s friends called her “Mom” and Marj loved them like her own. 

Adventurer and traveler aptly describe her.  At the age of 19 she climbed Mt. Ranier with friends who were experienced climbers (she was not).  She was fortunate to be able to indulge her passion for travel.  Over the years she and Gord enjoyed winter and spring break vacations travelling across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Europe.  In the summertime they hitched up their tent trailer and enjoyed camping in the many provincial parks. Upon Gord’s retirement, they became “Snow Birds”.  For more than 15 years they spent their winters in the Panama City Beach area of Florida.

Marj loved art and sewing so it was only natural that she would combine her love of both and become an avid quilter.  Many family members have enjoyed the award-winning quilts, quillows, wall hangings and quilted clothing articles she lovingly made.   

Marjorie was an active in the New Liskeard community for 52 years. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church, the New Liskeard Art Club, and the Temiskaming Quilt Guild to name just a few.  She volunteered many years at the Temiskaming Hospital’s Tuck Shop, and raised money for the Cancer, Parkinson's, Arthritis and Alzheimer’s Societies.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a donation in Marjorie’s name, to either St. Paul’s United Church (New Liskeard) or the Timmins chapter of the Alzheimer’s Society.

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