Marguerite Emma Grace Scholefield Bursary in Teacher Education

Scholefield
Craigflower, 1931
(left to right: Miss Foster, Miss Scholefield, Miss Styan, Mr Taylor)

Marguerite was born on September 29, 1908 in Fort William, Ontario. In 1926, she moved from the family farm in Fort William with her mother, father, two of her three sisters and her brother to Victoria where the family established another small farm of about 4 acres at the south-west corner of Cadboro Bay Road and Sinclair Road. In 1927, she completed junior matriculation from Victoria High School and in 1928, she was baptized at St Luke’s Church on April 22 and graduated from Victoria Normal School in June. In 1932, she bought a small cottage at 2559 Sinclair Road where she resided until April of 2001 when she took up residence at the Douglas Care Manor in James Bay. On March 5, 2007, she died peacefully at the age of 98 in the presence of the caring staff at the Manor.

Miss Scholefield’s career spanned 46 years during which time she was a teacher at the following Elementary school locations:

  • Craigflower, 1928 - 1932
  • Tillicum, 1932 - 1934
  • Cloverdale, 1934 - 1936
  • Tolmie, 1936 - 1938
  • St. Helens, England (on exchange) 1939/40
  • Tolmie, 1940 - 1943
  • Cedar Hill, 1943 - 1946
  • Cordova Bay, 1946 - 1950
  • Cedar Hill, 1950/51
  • Doncaster, 1951 - 1960
  • Joan Crescent, 1960 - 1964
  • Frank Hobbs, 1964 – 1969
  • Campus View, 1969 - 1973
  • Braefoot, 1973 - 1974

Min, as she was affectionately known, relished her independence and devoted her life to helping others. Family members, several churches in the Victoria area, the Gorge Road Hospital, numerous charities and, of course, her many “school children” were beneficiaries of her tireless efforts. Always the nurturing teacher, Min spoke often of her students with a passionate commitment towards their education and well being. Judging by her own accounts, her classrooms must have been stimulating and entertaining as she used her sense of humour and sharp wit to motivate and discipline her students.

The Marguerite Emma Grace Scholefield Bursary in Teacher Education will be awarded annually to one or more students in the Faculty of Education, enrolled in teacher education.  Interested in applying?