Margaret Marion

With a great deal of sorrow we announce the passing of Margaret Marion. Born April 12, 1941, Margaret passed away in Pioneer Ridge on November 14, 2021 with her loving husband Bob at her side.

As a child growing up in Current River, Margaret happily spent much time with nearby grandparents Axel and Hanna Maki where she proudly learned the Finnish language. There was also a lot of fun times with her mom and dad and siblings fishing, camping and adventuring in the bush as well as memorable times at Silver Mountain with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was very proud of her Finnish heritage. For those who understand SISU, she had it in spades.

In her teens she did a lot of volunteer work before landing a job at the Port Arthur General Hospital, she was thrilled. After completion of Teacher’s College in 1962, Margaret began her career teaching a very memorable grade two class at St. Theresa School.

On April 15, 1963, Margaret married the love of her life, Bob Marion. The following year along came Dave and the career of motherhood began. She was a loving and devoted mother to her four boys who have always loved her back and greatly appreciate her influence and support throughout their lives. Whether it was having the boys rock bands practice in the basement, watching hockey games at the rink, encouraging art work, supporting home building and business ventures or nursing illnesses, Margaret offered unwavering support to her children and her voice on the phone was always comforting. She was an accomplished accordion player and loved to dance. She and Bob were known as a fine dancing couple.

In 1976 Bob was diagnosed with M.S. and spent two months in hospital where Margaret was his caregiver and angel while still looking after the kids. This led to several years of tireless volunteer work with the M.S. Society, earning respect and admiration from many patients.

One of her proudest achievements was completing a three summer long course in Brantford, Ontario at the provincial school for the blind in the early 1980’s, graduating as the top student in the program. Margaret worked alongside students in the classroom aiding and abetting teachers skills with instruction of the visually impaired. She thoroughly enjoyed this vocation becoming lifelong friends with her students Kayla and Dawn-Lee. Margaret retired in 2006, happily spending more time at the log camp they enjoyed immensely since 1992.

It has been a tremendous joy for Margaret to be a large part of her grandchildren’s lives. Her and Bob spent a whole summer at camp with two year old Hanna (their first grandchild) due to John-Paul and Lynn’s work commitments. It was a special bonding time for everyone and such love and caring has continued with all the other grandchildren as they’ve come into the family.

Margaret is survived by her husband Bob of 58 years, her four loving sons Dave (Axel, Ruby and mother Alicia Alex), John-Paul (Hanna, Ayla and mother Lynn Copeland), Rob (Johanna and son Abey), Pat (Nancy); in-laws Mike and Marlene Marion and family, Paul and Theresa Marion and family, Kathy and Ted Norland and family, Kitty Kukko and family, Lillian Kukko and family as well as many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by parents Waino and Lillee Maki; brothers Raymond and Rick Kukko; sister Norma; brother-in-law Reijo Pyhtila; mother and father-in-law Alice and Vernon Marion and sister-in-law Judy Joubert.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Pioneer Ridge for their excellent care, kindness and concern for Margaret. The family also extends a special thank you to Dr. Chris Allison for his many years of compassionate care. We also thank Harbourview Funeral Centre for their professionalism and kindness during this time of challenge.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, November 26, 2021 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre presided by Rev. Msgr. P. M. Stilla, V.G. of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, seating will be limited. Please call the funeral home at 346-9880 if you wish to attend in person. As well, the service will be livestreamed and archived at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice.

A record of attendance is required by everyone attending the service as well as wearing of masks or face coverings and social distancing. Proof of vaccination will NOT be required.