Marjorie Goodfellow: Townshippers’ Association’s Co-Founder and past-President, and a dedicated advocate of the English-speaking community
In a 1982 letter to Association members, Marjorie Goodfellow offered words of wisdom that will stay with our organization going forward: “Let us work together to ensure that our community continues to flourish.”
Marjorie Goodfellow was a Townshippers’ Association’s co-founder and past president (1982-1985). Born and raised in Sherbrooke, Marjorie’s contributions to our organization and to the community at large are endless. To this day, her philosophy of collaboration and participation remains at the heart of the Association’s work, and she has left a permanent mark on the Eastern Townships’ community.
Community activism and language rights
Marjorie Goodfellow’s name will long be associated with community activism and language rights. Not only did she play a key role in the creation of our organization, according to Association President Donald Warnholtz, she also embodied the role of a “bridge builder”.
Marjorie’s outreach to the French community is very much noteworthy, with former President Gerry Cutting calling it a model for future generations to follow: “The message she brought to the discussions was always that we can do so much more by working together to build a better Quebec than by working against each other.”
Participate and engage for change
Marjorie dedicated many years helping English speakers better understand the importance of engaging with the wider community to ensure that their voices were heard. Donald Warnholtz, Townshippers’ Association’s current President, says that Marjorie’s name still comes up in conversations, and it is obvious that she is highly respected in the community—by English, and French, speakers, alike.
An inspiring woman
Townshippers’ Association’s current Executive Director, Denis Kotsoros, says he has been inspired by Marjorie’s contributions to the Association, and he highlights how relevant her work still is, saying: “Marjorie Goodfellow, in her demure way, blazed a path for Townshippers’ Association and her words and actions will always be at the heart of our work.”
Thank you, Marjorie Goodfellow, for a lifetime of devotion to our community and to our Association. We will strive to follow your example and your wise words.
A few photos of Marjorie from our archives :
