Family members of the late Marjorie 'Marj' Smith are calling on friends, loved ones, former students, colleagues and acquaintances to help celebrate her life, capture her history and honour her legacy.
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The notorious Marj passed away last week, leaving a gaping hole within the Wellington community- the town she called home.
Although she is no longer with us Marj's cousin Sharynne McLeod, along with her son Brendon McLeod, wanted to gift her one last present.
The mother, son duo have been editing a book in which contains contributed memories from those Marj had touched throughout her life, which is an enormous number of people according to Sharynne.
Sharynne and Brendon are asking those who have memories and/or photos with Marj to help them by making a contribution to be included in the book.
"She was a larger than life kind of person," Sharynne said.
"She has left a legacy but has no children to carry it on, she captured the history of so many people, but never really captured her own, so we wanted to honour her history and really just thank her for all she has done.
"Marj was born, and died in Wellington, she lived an entire life there and was the granddaughter of Arthur and Ann Hubbard (Nee Lockrey) from Seatonville, Maryvale.
"She loved and cared for, and was loved by so many from Wellington, and from across the country," Sharynne said.
"She was a very popular person and was notorious for keeping in touch with people and sending them letters and clips from newspapers.
"She was an excellent cook and made everyone's birthday cakes, she served at Wellington Baptist Church and she studied and taught at Wellington High School.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions, rain, and the fact that many people didn't hear about Marj's funeral beforehand having only been held four days after she passed away on Sunday, October 4, there were more than 100 people in attendance.
Sharynne said that is just one of many examples of how loved Marj was.
Residents will also be able to hand their contributions to Narelle Dorin from the Jewellers in Wellington, who will pass them on.
"You can write a sentence or a few pages," Sharynne said.
"You can write a poem, a story, a letter, send a photo (high-resolution photos are preferred), newspaper clipping, sewing, a drawing, or anything.
"The more the better. Write your name on the bottom so it can be included in the book.
"If you send your name and address you will receive aa copy of the book in 2021 for free if you submit something that is included."
Contributions can be sent to Marj.Smith.Book@gmail.com before November 27, 2020.
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