A great-grandmother hit and killed while crossing the road on her way to a volunteer shift has been remembered for her generosity and love of naughty jokes.
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 rushed to Lyell McEwin Hospital with serious injuries, where she died a short time later.
She had been scheduled to start a shift at the same hospital, where she had volunteered for the last 24 years running activities in the mental health unit.
Friends had been waiting for her with a cake to celebrate her 79th birthday.
Ms Morritt's family have been overwhelmed at the love and support from the many people who knew her.
'The enormity of the value that 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 issues.
Marjorie Morritt, 79, (pictured) was killed on her birthday after being allegedly struck by a car just metres from her home
The great grandmother (pictured right) volunteered at Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide for 24 years
'She wasn’t one to sit at home. She was one who wanted to get out and engage and assist,' he said.
Northern Healthcare Volunteer Association volunteer director Manju Shelke said the 79-year-old was 'always ready with a joke to lighten and brighten the offices when she signed in and out'.
'In recognition of her outstanding volunteer service, Marjorie was presented with the Premier’s Certificate in May 2024 during National Volunteer Week for her commitment and dedication to volunteering,' she said.
Ms Shelke said that the great-grandmother has left behind a 'wonderful legacy' and will 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 grandma,' grandson Benjamin Morritt wrote.
Granddaughter Kym added: 'Love you grandma, forever in our hearts.'
The popular volunteer and well-known parishioner at her church was described by others on Facebook as 'generous', 'caring' and someone who loved 'naughty' jokes.
'Marj was just lovely, she was so generous with her time and wisdom. Her presence in this world will be missed,' one wrote.
A 22-year-old woman had her licence revoked and reported for careless driving (pictured the driver's car at the crash scene)
Family and the wider community have expressed their sadness at the loss of the 'lovely' and 'generous' great-grandmother (pictured right)
'By god she was absolutely lovely … she was so giving and caring and I used to love the conversations we would have. It was simply a pleasure knowing her … happy birthday, Marj RIP,' another said.
'The sweetest lady, even with the naughty jokes that she told. Gone but never forgotten,' one person said.
'I used to see her at Munno Para at the cafe near the florist shop. Always used to say hello. She was a beautiful lady,' another said.
The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 22-year-old woman from Hillbank, was charged with careless driving and lost her licence immediately.
She was taken to hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
South Australia Police urge anyone who witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
Ms Morritt's death is the 45th life lost on South Australian roads this year.
