ATHERTON, Marion Patricia (nee Morrison)

It is with deep sadness that the family of Marion Patricia Atherton (nee Morrison) announces her death on Tuesday May 9th 2023 at the age of 100, in Ottawa, Ontario. Left to mourn is her daughter Tina, son Brian, and granddaughters Erin (David), Claire (Tom), Caitlin (Eric), Michelle (James) and grandson, John (Bisera). Five great-grandchildren, Thomas and James Coker, Elise and William Wichman and Emma Atherton will dearly miss their Grandy. Marion is predeceased by Donald, her beloved husband of 61 years, brother Ron and parents, Roy and Mary Bell Morrison. Born on the family farm outside the small town of Rosetown Saskatchewan, her early years would be formative ones. Family was treasured, community was to be served, hard work expected and for Marion, all animals were considered friends. At the age of 13, her family spent the winter in Vancouver. She was enrolled in John Robertson Public School for grade 8 and here she would meet her future husband. Letters were written back and forth over the years and when Marion arrived in Vancouver to begin her nursing training at Vancouver General Hospital, Don was there to take her out on her first night in town. Having graduated from UBC, Don’s career as an electrical engineer took them first to Burlington with Ontario Hydro and then to Stratford where they would raise their family and spend the next 64 years. These years were active ones for Marion. She volunteered with Central United Church, the Rotary Club, the Stratford Country Club, Stratford General Hospital, and was a decades long canvasser and Captain for both the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. In addition to her volunteer activities, Marion was an active curler, bridge player, and hostess/cook extraordinaire. In 1957, Marion moved her mother who was widowed at age 68 from Sarnia to Stratford. She subsequently built and managed a duplex apartment down the street which would serve as both a home and income property for her mom. Thus began the example of caring for an aging parent which lasted for over 29 years. As her own children grew and started to raise children of their own, Marion set her sights on the next generation. Grandchildren’s birthdays, school events and graduations were ‘must attend’ for both her and Don. She still sets a high bar for organizing the ultimate Easter egg hunt. After Don’s death in 2012, Marion continued in live in their Stratford condo at 400 Romeo St for another 5 years, until at the age of 95 and with declining health, she moved to Ottawa to be close to her daughter. Marion was extremely generous, a giver of her heart, time and resources. She will be fondly remembered for her witty sense of humour, a feisty spirit and lover of all animals. But most importantly, Marion leaves a legacy of devotion to family, community and a spirit of kindness and acceptance to all she met. Special mention and thanks must be made to Rosa Robelo and Jeanette Hopkinson LaFleur for their loving care and devotion to Marion over many years. In addition, the family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate care of the Palliative Care Team of the Ottawa Civic Hospital who guided Marion to a peaceful end of life. A public visitation at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford will be held on Wednesday May 17, 2023 from 12 noon until 2 pm with a private family graveside service following in Avondale Cemetery. In addition, a public memorial service for Marion will be held at the Humphrey Funeral Home, 1403 Bayview Avenue, East, Toronto at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers and if desired, donations may be made in Marion’s memory to Avondale United Church in Stratford, the Stratford General Hospital Foundation or the Stratford-Perth Humane Society all through the funeral home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com