Marie PENDLETON

PENDLETON, Marie (Gauley, Cable, McManus)
Marie's brave battle with Cancer ended peacefully as she slipped away at 3:00 p.m. on September 21st, the first day of Fall, her favorite season. There were many Maries. The first graduated from Parkdale Collegiate where she was acclaimed Toronto's Miss Cheerleader of 1948. The second became Marie Gauley, wife to Ron and mom to Steven and Lynn. One would think that might keep an average girl busy, but our Marie was never average. In addition she took on the roles of a full time Singer/Actress/ Opera School student and quickly joined the ranks of professional performers. Tyrone Guthrie chose her for consecutive seasons at Stratford in 'The Pirates of Penzance' and 'Orpheus in the Underworld'. Then followed shows on CBC TV: Canada's Hit Parade, GE Showtime, most of the Norman Campbell Arts Specials. A favorite of Herman Geiger Torel, she sang many roles with the Toronto Opera Festival which later became the Canadian Opera Company. The third Marie married the renowned composer and conductor Howard Cable. Together they journeyed to New York City where they had a major involvement in the creation of some notable Broadway Musicals, 'Man of La Mancha' for one. Her fourth adventure involved Boutique Fashion in the Muskokas where she owned and operated two stores, 'The Square Pumpkin', for several years. After a brief hiatus, she returned to Toronto for number five, the renewal of her stage and music career and more fashion at 'Pink Whiskers'. Part of Marie's number five was a 'duet' with an old friend and colleague from her early years. It wasn't long before she took on Don and the McManus name and headed for a look at the opera world in Europe. But the pull of Toronto was strong and home was where her heart needed to be. New doors opened in Dinner Theatre and a return to one of her favorites, classical sacred music. After all, Marie was the soprano soloist at Emmanuel - Howard Park United Church from the age of 14 for nearly forty years. By the way, she was also an accomplished pianist and a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Her sixth and last accomplishment centered on the business world as a valued employee to two city law firms, Rogers, Smith, Dick & Thompson and most recently a cheery, welcoming voice at Ruby & Edwards & Associates. Marie Pendleton was a shining star with an uplifting spirit who always gave the most of herself, never expecting or needing anything in return. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her throughout her rich, vital and creative life. Three lucky husbands, a daughter, son, daughter in law Lee and cousins and friends by the score can attest to that. Marie had two last wishes: to have her ashes scattered at Big Rideau Lake, her beloved summer place since childhood. It lived in her heart year round. And, that family and friends from all corners come together to Celebrate her Life with a real swell wake!! This will take place at the Performing Arts Lodge on the Esplanade, date TBA. Donations in Marie's Memory should be made to your Charity of choice or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Thanks to all, 'With Love and Music'.