Marja Gregory

Marja Gregory passed away early Friday morning on July 7th 2023 with both of her daughters by her side, Sheny Gregory and Lara Gregory, and son-in-law Kerry Gortan, at Nanaimo Hospital, at the age of 82.

Marja immigrated to Canada from Finland, after WW2, when she was just 11 years old. She took up languages easily and made Canada her new home with her siblings Else Kesonen, Arto Kesonen and Risto Kesonen. Marja always an adventurer, travelled the world at the age of 21 with her bestie to many countries including England, Paris France, her homeland Finland, Japan and Sri Lanka.

Marja was a leader in her profession as a school teacher where she was one of the first women to run the Physical Education Department.  This is where she met her husband, Edward Gregory, and it was love at first sight. They married in 1967 after a short 6 month courtship and they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary before Dad passed away in July 2018. Many Surfside Members would remember their 50th celebration at their RV with poems, music and of course wine and cake!

Marja and Edward made more memories in their retirement when they traveled by boat to all the lakes in Ontario, the Trent Severn Waterways near Bobcaygeon.

The two travelled to many places and cruised to Alaska and Hawaii. They RV’d across North America but fell in love with Alabama and New Orleans where they played in the sunshine with their many friends. Mom travelled to Finland solo may times to visit her family and friends as she was born a Finn.

Marja’s greatest joy she always said was raising her two daughters as she was a stay at home mom until both were in full time school. She worked part-time as a Nursery School Teacher and was a substitute teacher and Librarian in her later teaching years.

In her later years, she was a fan of sports both playing and watching. Marja played tennis, volleyball, pickle ball and was an avid gymnast and dancer in her younger years. She loved watching tennis, curling and hockey. She always cheered for both Canada and Finland!  Marja loved playing scrabble and loved little kids! Her and Edward could be found dancing anywhere music was played. She will be missed by her great grandchildren, who called her GG. 

GG will be missed and she will forever be in our hearts. 

We love you Mom! There is peace knowing she returned to Dad and other family and friends on the other side. 

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 23rd, from 2-5pm at Surfside RV Resort in Parksville. It will be a dance party in honour of Mom and her love of food and music! Please join us to celebrate her wonderful life.

Please no flowers or gifts. Mom volunteered over the years, she loved to volunteer and tour Milner Gardens, and having MS, she was appreciative of their services over the years. Feel free to donate to these organizations in her honour.