Marjorie was born in Tottenham on 29th May 1927.   Her parents were Harold and Maud Fort.   When Marjorie was 3 years old the family moved out to Ilford.   Marjorie went to Gearies Primary School.  Recently, at the age of 90, on a holiday cruising the Croatian coastline with Caroline she met a fellow Gearies classmate.  What a small world as there were only 25 people in the holiday group.   Marjorie went on to Wanstead High School after passing the 11 plus.  But it wasn’t long until war came and at the age of 12 she was evacuated to Ipswich and then Maldon.  Marjorie would never speak about those evacuation days.    After a bout of illness Marjorie was sent home and her father refused to send her back when she recovered as the evacuees were now being transferred to Gloucestershire which was miles away.   Back at home Wanstead High School was still closed but after a year she was relocated to Ilford County High School for Girls.  Marjorie’s education suffered as a result, but she went on to study later in her life.
Marjorie’s first job was at the Bank of England where many close friends were made.  In 1943, whilst at the Bank of England Marjorie was a hostess at the Stage Door Canteen in Piccadilly.   The Canteens  closed after the war and Marjorie was there on the closing night.
She spent 7 years in the church choir at St Lawrence’s Church, Barkingside.  She was Miss Community of Ilford at the age of 20 and then crowned Miss Ilford in 1952.  
She met Bernard at a wedding of mutual friend’s in August 1948.   Bernard and Marjorie’s courtship included being part of a Concert Party and they travelled all over Essex and East London performing in hospitals and clubs. 
Marjorie and Bernard married in June 1952 at St Lawrence’s Church, Barkingside.  They first lived in Woodford Green and then moved to Hutton in 1956.  Marjorie left the Bank of England in 1958 just before Alison was born and then Caroline came along in 1963. 
As new parents, Marjorie and Bernard’s early parental life was very much involved with understanding the deaf.  Marjorie realised through a lot of research that the deaf world and schools in general and indeed the medical world at that time had no real knowledge or understanding of deafness.  For example, the first hearing aid was not introduced until 1947. 
Marjorie and Bernard got involved in the National Deaf Children’s Society and were founder members of the Essex branch with Marjorie eventually became one of their speakers.  She became a Counsellor for new parents of deaf children.  She served on several consultancy bodies and the health authority for Waltham Forest to appeal against the Education Statement and also served as a governor at four special schools and became a Governor at Waltham Forest Hospital. 
When Caroline was about 4, Alison 8, Marjorie returned to education as a mature student, took a degree in History and then went onto to get her teachers’ certificate and taught for many years at Warley Infant School until it closed and then St Mary’s Shenfield and was then transferred to Pitsea Infants School in Basildon.   Ever the eternal student she took a further diploma in Drama. 
In the mid 1970’s Marjorie joined Marlborough Dramatic Club and Hutton Players where a busy life in acting and then directing pursued.  Ewe have lost count as to how many but certainly she was involved in over 50 productions.  She was proud to be asked to direct the first play at the new Brentwood Theatre in 1993.   
With her love of drama and theatre, she directed many plays for Hutton Players, St Peters Players, Thin Ice, New ventures and Heads First.
Marjorie helped form the Ladies Probus Club in Shenfield and she also contributed to the Brentwood talking newspaper reciting many poems.
She was a key member of the local churches in Hutton, being a member of the WI and was leader of the Mothers Union for several years.  Marjorie was a regular reader at Sunday services. 
Marjorie and Bernard travelled extensively; the country count is huge.  Marjorie loved visiting new places all over the world.   Foreign holidays were a passion and as avid ramblers they both went on may walking holidays in the UK. 
After such an active and full life it was so sad that she spent her last 18 months confined to her bed.  She showed such patience and strength in those last few months.  She is at peace now and with her beloved Bernard.  They were a double act in life and now they are together again.  Marjorie will be greatly missed by all.