Marjorie Henderson

Dr. Marjorie E. Henderson (ne’e Peat) died Monday, November 24, 2008 at the St. Francis Nursing Home in Breckenridge , MN .

Marjorie was born August 4, 1944 in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, and she grew up mostly in the small village of Font Hill, Ontario, about 10 miles from Niagara Falls. After high school Marjorie journeyed to the big city, and, in 1966, earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Trinity College , on the campus of the University of Toronto . Then, she joined the Anglican Religious Order of the Sisters of St. John the Divine, and it was during her time with the Sisters that she discerned her vocation to the practice of medicine.

Her journey then took her to London , Ontario , and she graduated from the Medical School at the University of Western Ontario in the spring of 1975, one of only nine women in a class of 89 graduates. She began her career as a Family Physician in London , Ontario . She met Harvey in the spring of 1980, and they were married in October 1981 in the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist at Huron College , on the campus of the University of Western Ontario . She gave birth to two boys, Donald in August of 1982, and Christopher in August 1984. Marjorie opened her own practice in London in January of 1983, and was a busy wife, mother, and Family Practice Physician until the family moved to Brantford , Ontario in August of 1986. She continued her practice there as a Family Physician, and trained as an Emergency Medicine Physician as well. Marjorie and her family moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota in the summer of 1995, and she practiced with Dakota Clinic until her retirement in April 2005.

Throughout her thirty years of medical practice, Marjorie enjoyed most of all the time she spent caring for women during their time of pregnancy, delivering their babies, and caring for those little ones. More recently, she took great joy in caring for those whom she referred to affectionately as “the little old ladies,” those elders who carry within themselves the story of our community.

Marjorie was a woman with tremendous energy. In the midst of a demanding medical career, she managed to find ample time for the requirements of family and community life. She was her boys’ number one fan, and shuttled them to many academic and athletic events. Marjorie was a life long member of the Anglican (Episcopal) Church, and more recently a member at Breckenridge Lutheran Church . She was a member of the Board at St. Francis Medical Center for a number of years, and President of the Medical Staff in 2003.

Above all, Marjorie was a woman of compassion. She cared greatly for those in any need or trouble. She was a member of the local refugee resettlement team, and worked hard to provide these new members of our community with medical care, in spite of the difficulties raised by language and culture differences.

Dr. Marjorie Henderson is survived by: her husband Harvey of Wahpeton, ND; her children, Donald (Leah) and Christopher (Pam), all of Grand Forks , ND ; her sister Nora, of Toronto , Ontario ; her brother Daniel (Iraina) of Welland , Ontario ; and a number of nieces and nephews. Her parents James Robinson McDonald (Don) Peat, and Elizabeth Hollington Lang Peat preceded her in death.

The family is very grateful to: Dr. Faine Stenhouse and the Riveredge Hospice team; Pastor Mark Manning (Breckenridge) and Father Jim Shannon (Grand Forks); the staff of the Railways Neighborhood at the St. Francis Nursing Home; the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Meritcare Hospital in Fargo; and the circle of friends who have surrounded us with their love and kindness.

“ Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen”

The Funeral Liturgy and Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Paul ’s Episcopal Church, 319 5 ^th Street South , Grand Forks , ND on Wednesday, November 26, at 3 PM, with visitation at 2 PM.

A Memorial Service will be held at Breckenridge Lutheran Church , 301 6 ^th Street North, Breckenridge, MN on Tuesday, December 2, at 4 PM. Vertin- Munson, Wahpeton, ND is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution to the World Hunger Fund at Breckenridge Lutheran Church , 301 6 ^th Street N. , Breckenridge , MN . 56520.