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Marian FOWLER Obituary

MARIAN FOWLER (née Little) 1929-2020 Died peacefully at Mt. Sinai Hospital June 12. Was born in 1929, daughter of Dorothy (née Maconachie) and Robert Daniel Little. Marian grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She graduated in 1951 from Trinity College, University of Toronto, with an Honours B.A. in English Language and Literature and the Governor- General's Gold Medal for highest standing in English. In 1953, she married (and later divorced) Dr. Rodney Singleton Fowler (deceased 2000), a pediatric cardiologist at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. Marian returned to the University of Toronto to earn an M.A. in English Literature in 1965 and a Ph.D. in 1970 with a dissertation on Jane Austen. For the next twelve years she taught at Toronto's York University and from 1982 on was a full-time writer, author of seven acclaimed works of biography and social history, including The Embroidered Tent and Below the Peacock Fan. She won the Canadian Biography Award and In a Gilded Cage was short-listed for the Governor-General's Award in 1993. She often spent winters in London, U.K., doing research for her next book and summers at 'Kilmara,' her beloved country house north of Toronto. Nature was always her mainstay, particularly bird-watching. She had a life-long passion for fashion, dressing with flair and originality and collecting vintage clothes and costume jewelry. She will be remembered for her joie de vivre and her wonderful laugh. Her beloved son Tim predeceased her in 2018. Donations may be made in her name to the Royal Ontario Museum Foundation or to Trinity College at the University of Toronto.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Jun. 15 to Jun. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Marian FOWLER

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10 Entries

Neil Cochrane, CLS Executive Committee Member

June 23, 2020

Though I did'nt know her personally, I always looked forward to chatting to Marian at ROM Currelly Legacy Society events. She was eloquent and knowledgeable and the epitome of style and grace, and will be missed terribly.

Dorothea Burstyn

June 22, 2020

Marian was one of the first members of the Silver Society of Canada and attended nearly every meeting for the last 22 years. She had a fabulous sense of elegance not only in dress but also in jewelry. Her love was fashion jewelry. Very erudite, I enjoyed her many books about various society ladies. Loved her independent spirit, she was always good company and will be missed.

Elaine Nagata

June 19, 2020

While I often think I did not know Marian long enough, I will cherish the times we spent together.
Marian was always up for an adventure, whether it was antiquing at Centerpoint Mall or going through racks at consignment stores, looking for the ultimate treasure, thrilled to find the perfect pair of earrings.
Always a lady, Marian inevitably had a flowered paper napkin in her purse for her lap when she was ready to take a tea break. Her zest for life was reflected in her strong Independence, her wonderful energy and conversations we shared. I will truly miss our friendship and times spent together.

Elaine

June 19, 2020

While I often think I did not know Marian long enough, I will cherish the times we spent together.
Marian was always up for an adventure, whether it was antiquing at Centerpoint Mall or going through racks at consignment stores, looking for the ultimate treasure, thrilled to find the perfect pair of earrings.
Always a lady, Marian inevitably had a flowered paper napkin in her purse for her lap when she was ready to take a tea break. Her zest for life was reflected in her strong Independence, her wonderful energy and conversations we shared. I will truly miss our friendship and times spent together.

Elaine Hoffman

June 18, 2020

Marian was an exceptional lady who I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago through our shared interest in antiques, vintage clothes, art and literature. Her energy and spirit were infectious. I will miss her intelligent, considered opinions on books and AGO exhibits. I will cherish the memories of outings undertaken in rain and shine to find treasures on Queen Street and Mount Pleasant. My one regret is that I didn't meet her earlier. She was truly special in so many ways and we are all fortunate to be able to continue to hear her voice through her writings.

Renée Piché

June 17, 2020

I will so miss that smile of yours, Marian. Rest in peace.

Philip Cheong

June 16, 2020

Marian brought a sparkle to every event that she attended. Always impeccably and fabulously dressed, she was full of grace, wit and information. It was this quality that drew people to her. I shall miss seeing her at the antique shows and at the ROM's Currelly Legacy Society events and Silver Society of Canada meetings of which she was a steadfast member. These events will never the same without Marian being there but she will always be remembered in our hearts and what we cherish in our hearts, we will remember forever. Requiem in pacem dear Marian, Requiem in pacem.

Béatrice de Montmollin

June 16, 2020

always enjoyed meeting Marion at antique shows. So pleased she had started coming to our jewelry club.
What a classy lady. Always wore great jewelry. Béatrice de Montmollin

Peter Kaellgren

June 15, 2020

John Alexander and I will always think of Marian Fowler whenever we go to the Centrepoint Antique Shows. We used to see her regularly there as she was often looking for vintage jewellery and fashion items. Marian knew how to be a lady: she was always very gracious and elegant.

Marian's generous donation to the European Department at the Royal Ontario Museum some years ago enabled the curators to acquire several exceptional artifacts. My only regret is that I only recently began reading In a Gilded Cage which recounts the lives of four American heiresses who married English Dukes. I have read other books on the topic, often with far more facts. However, Marian's account sparkles in comparison because she was committed to discovering the details and then using them to bring society celebrities to life. We will miss you Marian but we will have many fond memories.

Patricia Gostick

June 15, 2020

To a lovely person

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for Marian FOWLER

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