Alumni spotlight

Vale Marjorie  

The St Mary’s College community was saddened to hear of the recent death of Mrs Marjorie Fitzpatrick, who as Marjorie Darcey, attended the College from about 1919-29. She has for many years held the honour of being our oldest alumna, having been born on 1 November 1914.

Marjorie’s mother Blanche, along with her sisters Beatrix, Eileen and Caroline had attended St Mary’s before Marjorie and her sister Molly, and it is likely that their family ties with the school went further back than that. Marjorie’s brothers Len, John and Richard also attended the College. Marjorie was very proud to be appointed a Prefect in her final year at school.

On leaving school, Marjorie became an active member of the Old Scholars’ Association. For some years she helped her mother with the running of their large and hospitable home on the corner of Brisbane and Barrack Streets, as well as completing a commercial course in shorthand and typing. In 1933 Marjorie obtained her driver’s licence and she liked to proudly boast that in her 83 years of driving, she never had an accident. (She only stopped driving at the age of 101!)

During the War years, her life changed pace when her brother employed her at his optical business in Liverpool Street, to replace their brother who had joined the Air Force. Sadly this brother, Richard, Tasmania’s only World War 11 Spitfire pilot, was killed fighting in the Battle of Britain. In September 2020, Marjorie was proud to attend a service at St David’s Cathedral Hobart, in memory of the men who died in this battle.

In 1950 Marjorie married Doctor Harry Fitzpatrick and moved to Deloraine. The couple was blessed with a daughter Sarah, who was partly educated at St Mary’s College. Sarah’s husband Phillip and their daughters Genevieve and Madeline were much loved by Marjorie.

Marjorie was widowed in 1976. In her latter years she resided in Launceston, where she gained a reputation as a wonderful member of her parish, well known for her many kindnesses to others and for her warm friendship and hospitality. She was loved by many in the community.

In the last year or so, Marjorie, well into her second century, was moved into care as her health became frail. She died on 9 April 2022 at the age of 107 years. Marjorie was buried on 14 April at Deloraine and is to be honoured by a memorial Mass in Launceston.

Margaret Rootes

Heritage Officer