Marjorie Jean Saxby

Marjorie Jean Saxby (nee Lamond) passed away from natural causes on Sunday, May 22. Marjorie was born in Sydney, Australia in 1912 and grew up there with her parents, Harold Lewis Lamond and Cecilia Clare Lamond. Her sister, Enid and husband Richard Palk and brother, John Lamond and wife Alison, have preceded her. She is survived by daughter, Dianne Farrell (Tom), grandsons, Jed and Reid Farrell, nephews; Roger Palk, Stephen Lamond (Cath), Tim Lamond (JoAnne) and nieces, Rosemary Palk Henderson (Phil); Jill Stewart (Ian), Margaret Stewart (Ross) and nephew; Richard Saxby, and extended family.

Marjorie married Gordon Saxby in 1938 and they had a wonderful married life in Taree, Australia. Daughter, Dianne, their only child, completed their family.  Marj loved Gordon’s family and was proud of Gordon’s business, Saxby’s Soft Drinks, which is still family owned and has been in operation since 1864.  She and Gordon also continued to make frequent visits to see loved ones in Sydney, a distance of 200 miles.

Dianne departed Australia in 1970 to travel in Europe, and married her husband, Tom Farrell, of Polson whom she met in Heidelberg, Germany.  After they relocated to the U.S.A., Marj and Gordon travelled to the U.S. several times. Sadly, her beloved Gordon passed away in 1979 and in 1985 Marj immigrated to the U.S. to be with Dianne and Tom and their two sons and resided happily with them in Houston, Texas. She joined Champion Forest Baptist Church where she was a writer for the church senior news bulletin. Her columns were admired for style, honest opinions, and humor. She also enjoyed bus trips with the senior’s group to destinations all over the United States. She played bridge, joined the local women’s club and participated in community social and fund raising events. Having a good memory for names, places and dates Marj provided valuable information concerning family members to help Dianne maintain a genealogy. 

Marj was a true “Aussi”, and although she settled willingly into the U.S. lifestyle and enjoyed many friendships, her sincerity remained with her Australian heritage. She returned to Sydney and Taree several times to visit with family and friends, and always had interesting stories and adventures concerning Australia to tell to her grandsons. 

Marj was a wonderful lady; gracious, well educated, talented, kind and always strived to do the right thing. She liked to sew, knit, gourmet cook, entertain, volunteer and was a faithful member of her church. She was athletic and played competition tennis well in to her 50’s. Also loved to garden and tend to her home, and made it the best place possible for her husband, daughter, family and friends. Jed and Reid doted on ‘Nana’ as she did on them.

Dearest Marj will be missed very much by her daughter and family. Her loyalty and sense of humor will never be forgotten; she liked to see people laugh and was not afraid to place herself in a humorous situation and could laugh at herself. Her joy and admiration of family will continue to be felt forever. I love you Mum.

A memorial service for immediate family will take place at a later date when Jed and partner in Austin, Texas and Reid and partner in Taree, Australia can all be present. Marj resided at St. Joseph’s Assisted Living for several years and a thank you is extended to the staff. God Bless her many caring friends and family. 

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.