McKEOWN, Marion Alberta (nee Gow)
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Marion at the age of 97. Marion passed surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love, warmth and generosity. Marion attended Macdonald Hall at the University of Guelph, where she earned her teaching certificate. She went on to teach Home Economics and Physical Education at Arthur High School for several years before beginning her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donal; her brothers James (Zillah), George (Winona) and Robert; and her sister Alice(David). She will be lovingly remembers by her sister Ruth (Angelo), brother-in-law Brent (Jennie), and many nieces and nephews. Marion and Don were married in December 1955 at Melville United Church in Fergus. In 1958, when Don was awarded his DVM from the University of Guelph, the young couple, along with their baby daughter Laurie, moved to the Washington, D.C. area. Their family soon grew with the arrival of Dave, Dan and Kim. in 1974, the family returned to Fergus, Ontario, where Marion and Don put down roots and built a beautiful life surrounded by family, friends and community. Marion’s greatest joy was her family. Her children and their spouses - Laurie (Lindsay), Dave (Donna), Dan (Janice) and Kim (Peter) - will forever treasure the love and memories they shared with their mother. Marion was a proud and loving grandmother to ten grandchildren: Meghan, Natalie (Katlin), Katie (Mike), Julia (Gui), Emily, Melissa (Sasha), Trevor (Sarah), Carley (Matt), Allison (Joe) and Brooke (Chris). She was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren: Bowen, James, Lewis, Rosa, Luc, Claire, Ella, Bronwyn, Graham, Ian, Layla, Georgia, Emmett and Zoe. Marion and Don enjoyed travelling to many countries throughout their married life, creating wonderful memories and stories along the way. Marion was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved to garden, sew, play the piano and fiddle, paint in various media, play bridge and participate in book clubs. She found joy in learning, creating and sharing her many gifts with others. One achievement that Marion was instrumental in, was leading a fundraising drive in the Centre Wellington area for Groves Hospital. But above all, Marion loved people. Her home was a place where family and friends were always welcomed with open arms. She had a wonderful warmth about her and a generosity of spirit that made everyone feel at home. She treasured time spent around the table, sharing stories, laughter and the simple pleasure of being together. Her kindness, creativity and love for her family will be remembered for generations to come. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and caring staff at Groves Hospital for the kindness and support they provided to Marion and her family. Marion will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her love, laughter and generous spirit will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends. The family will gather for a private celebration of Marion’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aboyne Rural Hospice by clicking the donation link or by e-transfer to: donations@aboyneruralhospice.org. Forever loved. Forever remembered.
