We are so sad to report that Marion passed away early Tuesday December 9th, 2014 at the age of 51. Marion died in her home after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by love. Dearest and cherished mother of Flora and Maggie Manson-Blair of Victoria BC. Loving partner to Evan Jones of Victoria, BC. Amazing and wonderful sister to Anne Wyllie of Kitchener-Waterloo, ON. (Jason, David, Ben, Daniel and James); Doug Black and his wife Renate of Kitchener-Waterloo, ON (Dan, Katie, and Kristen); Graeme Black of Victoria, BC. (Jordan and Josh). Born and raised in Ottawa, ON.
Marion grew up the youngest of 4 children in a loving family. Marion completed grade 6-8 in French Immersion and flourished, becoming bilingual. The school was one of the earlier, successful immersion programs across Canada. Strongly influenced by older brothers and with natural athletic giftedness she was drawn to sports. Marion grew up with a love for speed skating, hockey and soccer. During high school years, the family dog “Duffy”, (a miniature German Schnauzer) would accompany her to games and was a master player himself! He became the high school mascot for her soccer team. He was that good! Marion graduated from Glebe Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, ON.
Thereafter she traveled extensively to Ireland, Venezuela and Guatemala and also lived and worked in these countries. In between her travels she completed a B.A. Degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Waterloo. Later on, she incorporated her fluency and love of language into a career as an International Student Placement Coordinator in conjunction with the Victoria School District. After the experience of living in Ireland, Marion followed her brother Graeme out to Victoria, BC and fell in love with it. She decided to make it her home.
When diagnosed with cancer, Marion did everything possible to combat the devastating ravages of the disease. It is a true testament to her inner strength and joie de vivre. Marion never lost her sense of humour and although she was overwhelmed at times by the thought of not being around to share her girls’ lives and their milestones, she didn’t dwell on this and was always present in the moment.
There are so many adjectives that come to mind to describe her; beautiful, vivacious, intelligent, warm, loving, genuine, happy, absent-minded, trusting, humorous, passionate, open, stylish, loyal, athletic, tough, competitive, generous, natural, environmentally conscious….we could go on and on. Marion was the fearless hippy among us, so willing to try new things. Marion loved her girls, Flora and Maggie, her rock, Evan, her siblings and their children and she loved playing, watching and coaching soccer, tennis, traveling, road trips, St Mary’s Lake Resort on S.S.I., camping, playing bridge, scrabble, games of all kinds actually, a good glass of white wine (Pinot Grigio, especially), a darker beer, Celtic music and dance, languages, socializing with her best friends, Claudette, Glenda, and Wendy and their families and her broader circle of friends from various walks of life.
Marion was so thankful to all the incredible people who supported her through this arduous journey in countless ways. By providing meals, driving her to appointments, visiting, sending her words of encouragement and the fantastic backyard oasis. She felt very lucky to have such a wonderful network of friends and family who she could rely upon and will continue to rely on in the future to ensure the wellbeing of her girls. She will continue to live on through the laughter and beautiful reflection of Flora and Maggie. And for the rest of us in how she has stolen a chunk of our hearts. Rest in peace, Marion, we will always love you and treasure you and never forget you! Special thanks to the Sudul’s, Victoria Hospice nurses and Palliative Response Team, as well as, Terry Crocker and the Soccer Sisters. You were so amazing and supportive!
Celebration of Life to take place at Uplands Golf Club on Sunday December 21st, 2014@ 3 pm. Donations to BC Cancer Agency in lieu of flowers would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below. McCall Bros. Funeral Home www.mccallbros.com