A great-grandmother who was struck and killed while crossing the road on her way to a volunteer service is being remembered for her generosity and love of mischievous pranks.
Marjorie Morritt had just left home and was crossing Kinkaid and Midway Roads in Elizabeth East in Adelaide when she was allegedly struck by a Mitsubishi sedan on Tuesday morning.
She was taken to Lyell McEwin Hospital with serious injuries, where she died a short time later.
She would start a service in the same hospital where she had been volunteering in the mental health department for the past 24 years.
Friends had greeted her with a cake to celebrate her 79th birthday.
Mrs. Morritt’s family is overwhelmed by the love and support from the many people who knew her.
“The tremendous value she brought to the community is overwhelming,” her son Peter told Seven News.
Mrs Morritt has helped hundreds of people through her volunteer work, despite her own health problems.
Marjorie Morritt, 79, (pictured) was murdered on her birthday after reportedly being hit by a car just metres from her home
The great-grandmother (right in the photo) was a volunteer at Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide for 24 years
“She wasn’t someone who would sit at home. She was someone who wanted to get out there, get involved and help,” he said.
Manju Shelke, director of the Northern Healthcare Volunteer Association, said the 79-year-old was “always ready with a joke to brighten up and cheer up the offices when she came in and out”.
“In recognition of her outstanding volunteer work, Marjorie was awarded the Premier’s Certificate in May 2024 during National Volunteer Week for her commitment and dedication to volunteering,” she said.
Mrs Shelke said the great-grandmother left behind a “beautiful legacy” and she will be missed.
There was an emotional outpouring on social media for the volunteer, including her grandchildren Kym Cullen and Benjamin Morritt, who said the family was on a “rollercoaster” of emotions.
“The best grandma,” wrote grandson Benjamin Morritt.
Granddaughter Kym added: ‘I love you grandma, forever in our hearts.’
The popular volunteer and well-known parishioner of her church was described by others on Facebook as “generous,” “caring” and someone who enjoyed “naughty” jokes.
“Marj was simply beautiful, so generous with her time and wisdom. Her presence in this world will be missed,” one person wrote.
A 22-year-old woman had her license revoked and was ticketed for reckless driving (pictured shows the driver’s car at the scene of the accident)
Family and the wider community have expressed their sorrow at the loss of the ‘dear’ and ‘generous’ great-grandmother (pictured right)
‘By God she was truly amazing… she was so generous and caring and I loved the conversations we had. It was just a pleasure to know her… congratulations Marj RIP,’ said another.
“The sweetest lady, even with the naughty jokes she told. Gone but never forgotten,” someone said.
“I used to see her at Munno Para in the cafe by the flower shop. She would always say hello. She was a beautiful lady,” 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 a mandatory drug and alcohol test.
South Australia Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
Ms Morritt’s death is the 45th victim to die on South Australian roads this year.