https://www.communityfuneralhomes.com/obituary/MarjorieEleanor-IrwinneeGray

Dr. Marjorie Eleanor Irwin (née Gray), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and respected scholar, died gratefully and was embraced by the arms of her loving Saviour on Thursday morning, January 9, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on April 29, 1937, in Toronto, Eleanor was the daughter of Joseph Everard Gray and Gladys Malcolm. She was predeceased by her brother Malcolm (1929), her sister Dr. Marion Powell (1997) (Rev. Donald Powell), and her brother Dr. Gordon Gray (2023) (Mary Locke).

Eleanor’s life was defined by her deep love for family, her passion for Classical Studies, and her dedication to education. She was the cherished wife of Dr. John Wesley Irwin for 63 years, a partnership built on mutual respect, love, and shared intellectual curiosity. Together, they raised four children: Dr. John Joseph Irwin (Olesia, San Francisco), Marjorie Elizabeth Robertson (Dr. Bruce Robertson, Sackville, NB), Peter David Gordon Irwin (Sackville, NB), and Dr. Andrew James Gray Irwin (Dr. Zoe Finkel, Halifax), all of whom carry forward her legacy of curiosity, learning, and compassion.

Eleanor was the proud grandmother of Raphael and Gabriel Irwin (Köln, Germany), Dr. Phoebe Robertson (Russellville, Arkansas), and Joel Robertson (Lia, Toronto). Her grandchildren brought her great joy, and she cherished each moment spent with them.

A dedicated academic, Eleanor joined the faculty at the University of Toronto Scarborough in 1969, where she made significant contributions to the field of Classical Studies. Her research focused on colour terms and plant names in Classical Greek poetry, as well as the careers of Classicists, with a particular interest in the often-overlooked contributions of women in the field. Her work was widely recognized, earning her the prestigious Ralph Campbell Award twice (1984 and 2015), as well as a University of Toronto Arbor Award in 2013.

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Eleanor was an avid gardener, finding solace and inspiration in her flowers and plants. She also enjoyed preaching occasionally and played the electric organ for services at St. Peter’s Maple Lake, where her quiet yet steadfast faith shone through in every note she played.

Eleanor’s warmth, intellect, and unwavering commitment to family and community will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a lasting legacy in both her academic contributions and the love she cultivated within her family.

Visitation & Funeral Service

A Funeral Service to celebrate her life and legacy will be held at the Family Residence on Friday at 12 noon, January 17, 2025. (Visitation one hour prior).  A Memorial Service will take place at a later date in Toronto. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship at ivcf.ca,1 International Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 6H3 would be greatly appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy. #118, Haliburton, Ontario (705) 457-9209.