Vale and alumni booties

Vale – Marjorie Fitzpatrick

The St Mary’s College community was saddened to hear of the death of Mrs Marjorie Fitzpatrick who, as Marjorie Darcey, attended the College from about 1919-29. Marjorie 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 [Blanche’s] sisters Beatrix, Eileen and Caroline, had attended St Mary’s, and it is likely that their family ties with the school went back even further. Marjorie’s sister, Molly, and brothers Len, John and Richard also attended the College. Marjorie was very proud to be appointed a Prefect in her final year at school, and upon graduating, became an active member of the Old Scholars’ Association. For some years, Marjorie 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 (remarkably, she only stopped driving at the age of 101!) During the War years, Marjorie’s 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 II 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 later years, she resided in Launceston, where she gained a reputation as a wonderful member of her parish, well known for her kindness to others and 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. Marjorie was buried on 14 April at Deloraine and was honoured by a memorial Mass in Launceston.

Margaret Rootes Heritage Officer and Alumni Association President

Bless their socks

Our alumni babies are looking extra adorable in their St Mary’s College booties, handmade by our generous alumni knitting brigade. If you or an alumni friend have had a baby in recent months, please email Community Relations on communications@smc.tas.edu.au to receive a complimentary pair of booties. Numbers are limited, so be quick! Clockwise, from left, Luca, Ella, Charlie, Amy and Scarlett.