A great-grandmother who was hit and killed while crossing the road on her way to a volunteer shift will be remembered for her generosity and love of naughty jokes.
Marjorie Morritt had just left her home when she crossed Kinkaid and Midway roads in Elizabeth East in Adelaide when she was allegedly struck by a Mitsubishi sedan on Tuesday morning.
She was rushed to Lyell McEwin Hospital with serious injuries, where she died a short time later.
She was scheduled to start a shift at the same hospital, where she had volunteered for the past 24 years leading activities in the mental health unit.
Her friends were waiting for her with a cake to celebrate her 79th birthday.
Ms. Morritt’s family has been overwhelmed by the love and support of the many people who knew her.
“The enormity of the value she had in the community is overwhelming,” her son Peter told Seven News.
Ms. Morritt helped hundreds of people through her volunteering, despite her own health problems.
Marjorie Morritt, 79 (pictured), was killed on her birthday after allegedly being hit by a car just metres from her home.
Great-grandmother (pictured right) volunteered at Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide for 24 years.
“She wasn’t one to stay at home. She was one to go out, participate and help,” he said.
Manju Shelke, director of volunteers at the Northern Healthcare Volunteer Association, said the 79-year-old was “always ready with a joke to brighten and cheer up the offices as she came in and out”.
“In recognition of her outstanding voluntary service, Marjorie was awarded the Prime Minister’s Certificate in May 2024 during National Volunteer Week for her commitment and dedication to volunteering,” he said.
Ms Shelke said her great-grandmother had left a “wonderful legacy” and would be missed.
There was an outpouring of emotion on social media for the volunteer, including from her grandchildren Kym Cullen and Benjamin Morritt, who said the family had been on a “rollercoaster” of emotions.
“The best grandmother,” wrote her grandson Benjamin Morritt.
Granddaughter Kym added: ‘We love you grandma, forever in our hearts.’
The popular volunteer and well-known churchgoer was described by others on Facebook as “generous”, “caring” and someone who loved “naughty” jokes.
“Marj was lovely, very generous with her time and wisdom. We will miss her presence in this world,” wrote one.
A 22-year-old woman had her license revoked and was charged with reckless driving (pictured: the driver’s car at the scene of the accident)
The family and wider community have expressed their sadness at the loss of the “lovely” and “generous” great-grandmother (pictured right)
“Oh my gosh she was absolutely lovely… she was so generous and caring and I loved having conversations with her. It was a pleasure to know her… Happy birthday Marj, rest in peace,” said another.
“The sweetest woman, even with the naughty jokes she told. She’s gone, but we will never forget her,” one person said.
“I used to see her in Munno Para, at the cafe near the flower shop. I always said hello to her. She was a beautiful woman,” said another.
The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 22-year-old woman from Hillbank, was charged with reckless driving and immediately lost her license.
She was taken to the hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
South Australian Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
Ms Morritt’s death is the 45th life lost on South Australian roads this year.
