Local grandma defies the odds, earns a degree from Lakehead University

Orillia’s Virginia Majury is proof that there is no age limit to learning.

Majury, 83, was born in Toronto and moved to Orillia when he was eight. He attended Orillia District Collegiate Institute, but dropped out in the 11th grade.

“I took a commercial course, which is four years,” she explained. “I wanted to be a pediatrician, but I didn’t think I could do algebra.”

By the 11th grade, Majury had become “bored” of studying English, science and history.

“I ended up getting a good accounting job,” she explained. “So I didn’t go back to high school after 11th grade.”

Majury began working at Clark Motors in downtown Orillia in 1959. By 1973, Majury had three young children, which prompted her to leave the dealership to become a stay-at-home mom.

After decades of raising children, being a Guide leader and running a boarding kennel business with her husband Tom, Majury decided to return to school in 2008.

“I never thought I was college material,” she said. “One of my daughters was going to university at the time and she asked me to help her do some computer research. I thought it was a lot of fun.”

After traveling to different countries and developing a strong interest in history, Majury majored in history at the former Orillia and Barrie campus of Laurentian University. Because of her fear of driving in the winter, she quit before her exams in December.

A few years later, while volunteering in the Loonie Lunch program at St. James, Majury was encouraged by a friend to finish what she had started. Then he enrolled in anthropology at Lakehead University.

“Anthropology is the history of how things actually began,” she explained. “I learned how textiles started, where they started, what they find in archeology and how they put it together and figured it out.”

After four years of classes, Majury completed his honors thesis three weeks ago.

“I loved every minute of it,” she said. “I’m glad I did it later in life because I have a lot more knowledge and recognize things with years of experience.”

Despite the age difference, Majury says she was accepted by all the younger students in her classes.

“We all work together,” she said. “Sometimes they would come to me for questions or ideas.”

Majury also befriended a fellow campus study partner, Holly Gray.

“Although there is not a fluid population of seniors and adults at Lakehead, we both recommend a higher level of education,” Majury said. “There is so much to learn and we have an opportunity with a university in Orillia.”

Majury isn’t done learning; she hopes to one day study plant biology and archaeological sciences.

Completing her college degree has given Majury a new sense of confidence.

“I never thought I could do something like this,” she said. “I found I could teach anyone else the same. You have to want it though.”

Through his educational pursuits, Majury inspired his three children and four grandchildren to pursue their own life goals.

“They think it’s really cute that I’m going to university,” she giggled. “My only niece from Houston, her mom and her brother are coming to graduation (in June). Everyone thinks it’s great.”

Majury recommends that anyone considering post-secondary education audit a class before taking the plunge.

“See how it is,” she said. “Once you audit a class, I think you’ll see that you can do it.”

Marjury will officially receive her degree at the university’s annual convocation in June.