Biographical Information
Marjorie Close Roberts
Marjorie Roberts (1934) was born in Detroit, Michigan, but moved
to Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her parents, John and Lois Close before
she was a year old. She received her elementary and high school
education in Winnipeg and also attended Teachers' College there
(1963-64). She has studied at the University of Regina and
by correspondence with the University of Waterloo. Marjorie Close married Albert (Bert) Roberts in Winnipeg, April 6, 1953.
They had six children: Blair, Kirk, Kerry, Scott, Debbie and Penny. Prior to her marriage, Marge worked for her father in a radio sales
and repair business. She taught grade 1 in Winnipeg for three
years. She was employed at Western Christian College for 20 years
as a dormitory parent at Torkelson Hall (1968-76) and as dean of
student life (1976-88). At Western Marge also directed the
singing group "Sonshine" for nine years and was the faculty
assistant to the college musicals for 12 years. In the work of the church, Marge was active
as a teacher of ladies' and children's Bible classes. She was editor of the women's magazine "Sister Triangle,"
(1981-1988), which extended her influence far beyond her local congregation.
About the periodical she said: "Our mission is to encourage one another in
love." She wrote many articles in addition to her monumental work on the
life of Lillian M. Torkelson, "A Prairie Dreamer." Marjorie passed away on July 1, 2007.