1935
2010
Marion Carol Barr was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of "stick to it" attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Marion loved to laugh, and had a great sense of humor which you could see in her eyes, they would twinkle with mischief and brought joy to those around her. Her greatest attribute was how big her heart was, always giving to others, she had so much love to give; especially for her children and grandchildren. At times putting there needs before her own.
She was the daughter of May and Vaughan Watkins. Marion grew up in Toronto and would later live in Comox, Cold Lake, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Trenton, Bagotville and Greenwood. In her heart, Toronto, was always home and was happy to come back and live the rest of her years there.
Marion was raised with one older sister, Joan. Marion was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her sister. She and her Joan experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.
As a young girl, Marion had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Marion was an active child who took part in swimming, bowling and figure skating. She was also a Girl Guide. In her spare time she liked to read. However, to Marion, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.
A typical teenager, Marion had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Earle Haige High School in 1951. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Art.
Always considered a "good" friend to those she knew, Marion enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Some of her best friends over the years were Ann and Dave Crossman, Gloria Spencer, Helen and Ray Francis, Nikki, Peter Gaudet, Ivy Cook, and Eunice Chinnery.
Marion worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Marion was blessed with Four children, Three sons, Russell, Allan, and Michael Eric, and one daughter, Kristilee Rhaean. Another blessing for Marion was the gift of Eight grandchildren, Lara, Ethan, Madeline, Karey, Renae, Mandy, Ryan, and Adam.
Fortunately, Marion enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Marion worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was a homemaker but also worked as a sales clerk. Marion always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.
Marion enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Decoupage, Knitting, playing cards and games like sorry and trouble, painting, bowling, figure skating, and reading Danielle Steel novels. Marion also had a love for children and would babysit for many families over the years and take in these children and love them as if they were her own. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.
Marion found pleasure in sports. In high school, Marion participated in swimming and Figure Skating. Recreational sports included Volunteering as a figure skating coach, and she was on a bowling league. Marion was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Top on her list were figure skating.
Throughout her life, Marion was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Marion was an active member of the Greenwood figure skating club.
Marion's faith was important to her. She was a member of the Peoples church for many years. During that time, she was a part of the Peoples church seniors group and met many dear friends that she spoke of often, and fondly to her family.
Marion enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included going to Disney world with her family in 1990, and always coming to visit her family in Toronto when she lived in Nova Scotia.
Marion was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Tippy Toes Barr I, a cat. They were best friends for 23 years. Her family was rounded out by her other cat, miss kitty.
Marion passed away on October 8, 2010 at Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto. Marion fought till the end against a Liver disease. She is survived by her children Russ, Michael, Allan and Kristi; her grandchildren Lara, Ethan, Madeline, Karey, Renae, Mandy, Ryan and Adam. Services were held at Trull Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Marion was laid to rest in York Cemetery in Toronto, Ontario.
Simply stated, Marion was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Marion leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Marion Carol Barr.
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22 Entries
October 22, 2010
Rhaean, I just saw on Facebook (your comment to Cheryle) that your mom had passed away. I was so sorry to hear it. We shared a lot of history working together in Greenwood with figure skating and I was just talking recently about the time we had the big red econoline van to take a bunch of us to PEI for competition. There was an ice storm and your mother threw me the keys and said "you drive". What an experience. The seat wouldn't lock so I had to brace a skating bag behind it. Quite a ride to be sure. She was quite a woman and will be missed, I am sure. Fondly, Ron and Alice MacKinnon
October 18, 2010
Dear Rhaean,
As you make your way back home, to return to some kind of normal life, I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know that these past few weeks have been completely hard and draining on you, flying back and forth from Edmonton to tend to your mother's need.But even through those difficult days and sleepless nights, you conducted yourself with such grace and dignity. your mother would have been so proud of you. I know that she loved her family very much and that you brought much love and joy to her life. Your mother was a bold and strong woman, but I also had the pleasure of knowing her kind and loving side. I know she always held me and my family in her heart. I will always be her "Tashy-Lee".
I know these next few days and weeks will be difficult when the quiet settles in and all you are left with is your memories. Just know that you are loved and supported and will always have a shoulder to lean on, even if it's a few provinces away!
Love,
Natasha
October 16, 2010
Terry Kuzma
Russ, I am so sorry for yours and your families loss of your mom. She always had the door open to me, always had a sense of fun, and put up enthusiastically with our crazy yet constructive shenanigans. She had a gift of imparting an "anything is possible" attitude which I always saw reflected in her family. I remember a Christmas somewhere in the mid 60's when she kept telling you a certain present had to be tried on for all to admire. You opened your NEW UNDERWEAR for everyone to see ! She quietly helped when you organized a successful charity backyard carnival, encouraging with small ideas, but allowing our imaginations to be unlimited. She was a unique and incredible person whom I will always remember. Bless you and your family.
October 15, 2010
DEAR ERIC AND FAMILY,MAY THE BLESSING'S OUR CREATOR BE WITH HER AS SHE COMMENDS HER SPIRIT AND ASCENDS THE EVERLASTING LIFE...MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME
October 15, 2010
Rhaean & family, I'm so glad you made such an effort to find us. Marion's passing is such sad news, but I'm glad I could receive it from you. You know our prayers and thoughts are with you now. Marion was such an integral part of our family for more than a few years. She was like a mother to me and a grandmother to our kids. My memories of her are filled with love and smiles; a heart and generosity bigger than life. She will always be fondly remebered and never forgotten. God Bless. Yvonne, Paul, Chris & Nick Madore
October 15, 2010
Dear Eric, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Loss is never easy. I remember your mom well back in day when we were young and carefree. May you and your family take comfort in the many wonderful memories of your times spent together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Wanda Hill - Dartmouth, NS
October 15, 2010
Anne & Dave
Dear Rhaean;
All our love to you and your family. Your mom was my very dear friend for many years. Dave and I will miss her very much. Our talks were long and varied. Her laugh and sense of humor ever present. As was her love for all of you.
She will be dearly missed.
Love Ann & Dave xoxoxo
October 15, 2010
Mandy Barr
Many of my fondest childhood memories are of my summers in Greenwood with "Marion" (she did not want to be called Grandma because she was only 29 and some months - not old enough to be a grandmother!). She taught me many things and would always have a hug and a smile to cheer me up if I was down. She was a special person to everyone who knew her and I hope she is finally at peace.
October 15, 2010
Ann Crossman
Dear Rheane
All our love to you and your Family. Your Mom was my dear friend for many years. Dave and I will miss her very much. Our talks were long and varied. Her laugh and sense of humor ever present, as well, was her love for all of you. She will be dearly missed . Love Ann and Dave (Kingston Nova Scotia)
October 15, 2010
RHAEAN, IWAS SO SHOCKED TO HERE OF YOUR MOM'S PASSING. SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND I HAVE VERY FOND MEMORIES OF OUR TIMES SPENT TOGETHER IN GREENWOOD. ALL MY LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME. MARION WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON, REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES. XOXOXO SUSAN GOUGH
October 15, 2010
Mary K Rawding
Eric I remember your Mom Its been over 30 years but I do remember a GREAT snow storm and we had runs near your house.. I think your mom made Hot chocolote,,,,or something of that sort... I am truely sorry about your familys loss. Its never easy. I've often thought about you all. Take Care
October 14, 2010
Oh Eric...such sad news of your mum's passing. She has, and will always be a visual part of my pre-teen, and then early 20's part of my life when you and I hung out together. I think of Greenwood...I think of your Mum. I always felt so welcome in your home and that was rooted in your Mum's precense there. As a friend (girl) of yours I remember she always had a way of making me feel so "accepted" for who I was. I'll always love her dearly for that. As a teenager, knowing parents of my friends like your Mum I always came away feeling like I mattered and full of self-worth. She had just such an amazing way about her. And I always had a strong sense of your deep love for your Mum even in those years as a teen boy when it wasn't "cool" to show it....she brought you up well. Another talent of hers! It takes a great man to know he's from a great woman! My very strongest wishes for the days ahead for you and your entire family, Eric. She will always be in your hearts so, in effect, she has not left this world.
Love Always, Terry Giblin, Fanny Bay, Vancouver Island, BC (nee West, Hall Road, Greenwood...back in the 70's)
October 14, 2010
Ronda Lee
Rhaean, I just can't imagine the world without your Mother. We were all so close growing up, more like family then friends. I, like many other, am heart broken. Even though we have not seen one another for a "few" years, doesn't mean we loose the love and friendship we have. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
October 13, 2010
Sue and Duncan Burch
Dear Rhaean, we are so sorry to hear of Marions passing. We have so many memories of her in Greenwood, especially when she took Kyle by the hand and whisked him off to her house for an exciting 'sleep over'. All little boys should have a Marion in their lives :).
Sue, Duncan and Kyle xo
October 12, 2010
Debbie Maillet
Rhaean, I am sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Our sincere sympathies to you & your family.
October 12, 2010
Jennifer (Lewis) Park
Rhaean,
Your mom was a very wonderful lady and I have so many great memories of her throughout the years. But the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of your mom is her wonderful smile and laugh.
I fondly remember our summers in Niagara Falls and the adventures we had together. I know this is a very difficult time for you, but remember the many, many wonderful things about your mom and know she will always be with you.
Love and prayers to you and your family.
October 12, 2010
peter gaudet
So sorry for your loss.. your mom was my godmother and i remember many good times in your yard and breakfasts in her sunny kitchen as a child both me and miles send our regards...
October 12, 2010
cheryle gaston
Rhaean...all my love to you and your family at this time. I loved your Mom...she was a wonderful woman and will be dearly missed XOX Cheryle(NS)
October 11, 2010
Rhaean, my thoughts are with you - losing a mother is not easy at any time of life. I hope memories of the good times and the love and support of your family provide you solace during this time.
Melinda (Calgary, AB)
October 11, 2010
Gayleen Lambert
Rhaean, I am so heartbroken by the loss of your mom. She was always like a second mother to me, in fact I don't know if i ever called her anything BUT mom! She touched every part of my life growing up, from skating, school, boyfriends, marriage, and children, to name just a few.
How many memories I have that I will cherish forever. She was always there to listen, offer advice, or give a hug, when it was needed.
Remember how she would let us 'sneak' back into the house so we could play hookie from school once in a while? Or signing us both out of school on those nice afternoons, with the reasoning that i HAD to drive you home, since you weren't well enough to drive yourself... ;) Our 'partner in crime'. :) And that is only the tip of the iceberg of the shenanigans she would help us out with!
I feel honored to have known such a special person. She touched the hearts of everyone she met, especially mine.
When you told me what happened to you on the drive to the airport on Friday morning, I have to say that I'm not surprised, because only your mom could find such an amazing way to let you know that she's at peace and not suffering any longer, so that you can find some comfort in that knowledge. She is watching over you, as she has done your whole life, and she always will be.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal, and she was too well loved to ever be forgotten!
Please remember Rhaean, that I'm here for you, and I'll do everything in my power to help you through this very sad time. We love you!
Gayleen, Stephane, Alyssa and Jacob
October 11, 2010
Jemelee Asaff-Baydoun
So very sorry for your loss Rhaean.
You and your mom are just a big part of my childhood!!!
Thinking of you during this time and offer my condolences.
xoxo
Jemelee
October 11, 2010
Rick & Mona Arsenault
Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Remember the good times and discard the rest.
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