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
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Jim and Shari de Goede
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Mary Ann Philips I’m very saddened to hear of Marions passing.
I had contact with Marion through the Victoria Highschool Internation Homestay program. She was a great coordinator to work with.
My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
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Michael Galler and Kayoko Ueki-Galler To the Manson-Blair and Black family,
It is with great sadness that we learned of Marion’s too-soon passing. As we live in California, Koko and I only had a few opportunities to meet and get to know Marion. But we will always be grateful for the years of kindness, hospitality, and warmth she showed our daughter Emmie during her high school years attending St. Michaels in Victoria.
Emmie was lucky to have a close friendship with Flora, and through her, to experience the warmth and welcome of Marion’s home on many holiday breaks and weekends away from school. We will always be forever grateful, and remember her in our prayers.
To Flora and Maggie, our deepest condolences on this terrible untimely loss. And our thought and prayers go out to all those who loved and will miss her, as will we.
Michael Galler
Kayoko (Koko) Ueki-Galler
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Marie and Michael Ray Dear Ann, Douglas, Graeme, Evan, Flora and Maggie,
It came as a great shock to us to read of the sad and unexpected death of Marion. We knew the family when you all lived in the Glebe, and Bill was a close colleague. Helen and Bill were always exceptionally kind to us and we have many happy memories. We had many meals with you and you may remember a large gathering of the clan for a Christmas dinner at our place on Amberley Drive, singing carols after the meal.
We remember particularly the many exceptional kindnesses that Bill and Helen showed our family, such as when our son had a complete health collapse while we were in England and he was at Carleton. Bill went and collected him at his flat, took him to your home and your parents helped to nurse him back to health. Out memories of Marion at that time are of a young and lively free spirit with a rather mischievous smile.
We did visit Bill and Helen in Waterloo after Bill retired but lost contact following Bill’s death and our move back to England. Letters and cards to Helen were returned and her phone number no longer connected us. We were able to renew contact with Doug and Ann briefly. We had met Douglas in Waterloo once and knew Doug was with Air Canada but we found that they don’t provide personal information to the public under any circumstances.
Michael lost his sister at the age of 47 to cancer and we know how very sad death at an early age can be. But your family more than any other we know has always shown great fortitude and support and understanding and we pray that this family support will help each of you at this time.
We also hope that it will now be possible for us to get back in touch with you and to share memories. We know that among the thousands of photos we have are some of you all as young children. We moved to Sidney from England about 8 years ago and now live in a townhouse #15, 2353 Harbour road, V8L 3X8. Phone 250 656 9160.
We send you our love and deepest sympathies.
Marie and Michael
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Kelly Hunter It is difficult to believe that such a youthful, vivacious, and loving person can be taken from this world. An incredible woman who truly cared about others and found interest in most anyone. Joining the over 30’s soccer team, Gorgeous Gorge Girls, Marion supported me each and every game with, ” You control the box Kelly!” That added punch of confidence meant so much to me and that is how Marion planned her days, weeks, months and years, with confidence.
Thanks for giving me confidence, love you, miss you.
My heartfelt sympathy to Flora, Maggie, Marion’s family and close friends.
Kelly Hunter
your Keeper
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Brian and Sheila (Black) Prescott Anne, Doug, Graeme and families, we extend our sympathy to all of you at this very difficult time. Marion was a very special lady. In so many ways, she will always be remembered by those who were fortunate to know her over the years. We knew our cousin Marion from age 4 and watched her grow into a marvelous young lady and mother. Now Marion is at peace and we all have our precious, treasured memories to share. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love from Brian and Sheila in Brussels, Ontario.
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Maureen,Fred,Pamela,Melissa,Fiona To our cousins Anne, Doug and Graeme our deepest condolences. To Marion’s girls Maggie and Flora we
send our deepest condolences, we never seen much of them but I am sure they are wonderful with
having such a successful Mom as Marion seemed to be. I have learned a lot in the message left ahead of
ours. I am sure the girls have inherited what they need both from Marion and her wonderful parents.
Uncle Bill and Aunt Helen. I was fortunate enough to have several meals at the family home over the
from early childhood to when I came to Ottawa to work, great memories. Uncle Bill was our Mom’s
brother. Take care everyone, we are thinking of as we were always wondering how Marion was since we
heard the dreadful news of her sickness.
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Robynne Mills Like every other person who has ever met Marion, where can you possibly begin to explain the effect she had on your life? Marion was the first woman in my life who showed me what it was to dive in head first, to love deeply, to embrace each day’s adventure and to be successful doing it all. I can not possibly thank her enough for influencing me in such a positive way.
I met Marion at the A’s clubhouse on Oak Street. Marion was a powerhouse on the field and off the field and the group of women who played with us were all amazing and smart and quite a force to be reckoned with! Marion seemed such a ‘worldly’ woman to me… educated, well-travelled, employed (!). To an 18 year old girl, how could you not be swept away by her enthusiasm for life? We moved in together (along with Tara) to a great little apartment on Oliphant street and it was there that Marion showed me what it was to live! Who knew that one could eat more than just peanut butter and toast? Marion and Tara cooked and entertained and Marion laughed and sought out new adventures on almost a daily basis! Marion sailed off to … well, where was she going? I remember having to learn her signature so that she could ‘be funded’ somewhat for her journey. Thank you to the government of BC for that adventure! She ended up in Venezuela somewhat stranded, but ended up living in an ambassador’s house for a time (only Marion!)…
I met up with her again when she returned to Victoria and introduced me to summer soccer with the ‘Reds’. Again, soccer kept Marion and I together for another adventure. Al, Norm, Murray, Glen, Derek, Sam, Ang and too many others to name-a great, fun group of people that adored Marion and shared a special time in her life.
The last and most memorable experience with Marion was being a part of the Gorge over 30s group. I cherish each and every memory with Marion and that group of women. Saltspring island tournaments, Western Canadians, babies, potlucks, loves, championships, losses, endless support and that laugh that is undeniably Marion! I will miss her so very terribly, but will thank her each and every day for the laughs, for the ability to stop and smell the roses and for giving me the confidence to be an independent, confident woman. I can honestly and truly say that she will live on in my heart forever.
Flora and Maggie and to her most amazing and dearest friends: my deepest condolences to you. I know that your hearts must be broken right now. Please know that you have a community around you that love you and think of you everyday.
Robynne
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Jim Fisher I am simply gobsmacked by the early demise of my dear friend, Marion Black. I cannot think of a greater anomaly. It just seems so impossible.
I had the pleasure to meet, know and adore Marion. Few people in my life have cast such a mark on my mind and heart as Marion has. Smart, chronically wistful, dangerously playful, effervessently thoughtful and yet always immediately real, Marion stood out as one the most impressive and influential person that I have ever met. Our lives intwined, diverged and yet a few moments on the phone, or email, could bring back so much. It was always easy … to be with Marion. We had some amazing experiences together. A memorable, Make A Wish trip to Expo 86 and a John Mellencamp concert among them. My mind is full of her lovely smile, energy and thoughtfulness.
Maggie and Flora … the candle that burns brightest often, sadly, burns least. I cannot imagine your loss. But revel in the mother you had.
Douglas and Graeme, I never met you. But Marion told me so much about you, your lives, your accomplishments, her pride in her brothers so obvious … that I feel a small knowledge about you and so can imagine, just a little, the hole in your lives.
Anne, your sister regaled me with stories about you, the family, Duffy and Ottawa. Those stories were Canadiana to me.
Evan. Strange that our paths should cross thus after so many years. I always liked you Jones, And I hope you know that I had a simple moment of saying YES ! when Marion told me about you in her life. I could simply see it. It was obvious. I knew it would be good. I am glad for you in knowing her. I don’t need to say more. Take care.
Wendy. Marion often spoke of you and your ongoing friendship. Not surprising at all. Two of the most dynamic women I have ever met. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Hope to see you again some day.
I shall miss her always.
Jim Fisher
To Flora and Maggie and Evan; Flora and Maggie, I am sorry that your Mom will miss your emergence into adulthood but she has left you with a larger part of her within both of you. Make her proud, follow your heart and make good choices. Your mom lived life as fully as possible and she would wish the same for you. Evan, you and Marion deserved many happy years together but that was not to be. Keep Marion’s courage and love within. With much regret, Jim de Goede.