Margery Grace Elaine Forgay

Margery G.E. Forgay “Marnie”

DipDH,BA,BEd,MA,LLD (hon)

October 31, 1932 - April 11,2026

Someone who made a difference in this world.

Marnie passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital. She was predeceased by her spouses Ray K. Forgay (1984) and Frank Guenther (2020). She is survived by her Brother in Law, Vern Fowke, her Sister and Brother in Law, Barb and Brij Mathur, her children and their families: Donald Forgay and Margaret Bennett; David Forgay, Nancy Bell and Alex Forgay; Alison Forgay, Rory Campbell, Jessica Campbell, and Taylor Campbell, her much cherished Sonjia Johansen and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marnie was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and grew up in Saskatoon where she attended and excelled at City Park High School and later at the University of Saskatchewan. Education was important to her both as a student and as a University Professor and Educator. Marnie received her Diploma in Dental Hygiene from Eastman Dental Dispensary in Rochester New York, her BA from the University of Saskatchewan, her BEd from the University of Manitoba, her MA from the University of British Columbia and her LLD (hon) from Dalhousie University in Halifax. She was a Professor Emerita from the University of Manitoba. Marnie was the founding Director of the School of Dental Hygiene (U of M) from 1963 until 1976 and served two subsequent terms as acting Director. From 1985-1989 she served as Director of the School of Dental Hygiene at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Throughout her career she was a central figure in the advancement and professionalization of dental hygiene. Her many accomplishments in the field of Dental Hygiene included life membership in the Canadian Dental Hygienist Association, organizing the first conference on dental hygiene research education and practice, chairing the Federal Government working group on the practice of dental hygiene, and acting as an international advisor on dental hygiene including the role of advisor to the Canadian/Mozambique dental project.

In addition to her many professional and academic achievements Marnie was passionate about art, music, literature and travel. She built an impressive collection of Canadian art, read Victorian Poetry and the novels of Georgette Heyer with equal enthusiasm, and travelled extensively. In retirement, Marnie enjoyed her home at Mesachie Lake, B.C., which she shared with her husband Frank and became a gathering place for friends and family.

Throughout her life Marnie inspired and positively impacted the lives of countless students, colleagues, friends and family. The world is a poorer place without her. She will be greatly missed

Condolences and comments can be made online via her obituary at Earth’s Option Cremation (earthsoption.com). Donations may be made to the University of Manitoba, Professor Margery G. E. Forgay Endowment Fund, 100-137 Innovation Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 6B6 or online by selecting School of Dental Hygiene at give@umanitoba.ca.