MARION BOA CRUIKSHANK

1925 - 2022

MARION BOA CRUIKSHANK (nee McVEY) July 27, 1925 - August 13, 2022 Celebrating a long life well lived. Marion died peacefully at her Toronto residence on Saturday, August 13, with family around her. Predeceased by husband, Robert Cruikshank (1925-2001); and siblings, Robert McVey and Carol White; Marion will be missed by her sister, Evelyn Kidd. Born in Beachburg, Ontario to Rev. Robert Wilson McVey and Annie Ethel Boa, Marion lived in Lansdowne, Douglas and Greenwood before settling in Toronto in her late teens. An A+ student, she became a teacher and taught at Duke of York School until her marriage to Bob in 1950. Their six children are forever grateful for their parents' love, energy and patience in a very lively household: Ruth (Gerry Young), Stewart (Maureen Clark), Carol, Ian (Tammay Penner), Ronald (Suzanne den Ouden) and Jack (Lana Dooling). Legendary Cruikshank family camping trips ranged across North America in a crowded station wagon. Everyone ate well and only occasionally was a child left behind at a gas station. Marion was immensely proud of her grandchildren, Ian (Laura Robson) and Carolyn (Stuart Turnbull) Young; Patrick (Kelly Henderson) and Colin (Alessia Milano) Cruikshank; Graeme and Erin Mealey; Ross, Anna (Zac Morris) and Jack Cruikshank; Abby and Orion Cruikshank; Frances Cruikshank; Harper and Finn Dooling. She was filled with GG joy with the arrival of great-grandchildren, Callum and Marianne Young, Winifred and Robin Cruikshank, and Maizie Morris. As a minister's daughter Marion had a lifelong connection with church and church life, and she was active in her Scarborough churches - Knob Hill United and West Hill United. In 1999, for her humanitarian and community volunteer service, she was honoured by the Governor General with the Caring Canadian Award. Music was a major theme in Marion's life beginning with piano lessons and church music in her childhood. She loved choral and symphony concerts, piano playing, and singing in the choir. She felt strongly about engaging friends and family in music making: hymn singing and Christmas caroling were de rigueur regardless of enthusiasm or skill! Marion's "happy place" since 1960 was the Wollaston Lake cottage, with its summer rituals: family chaos, campfires, afternoon tea, trips to Coe Hill, and many, many visitors. She was thrilled to enjoy time sitting on the dock this summer not long before her death. A celebration of Marion's remarkable character and life will be held on August 31, 2022, 11 a.m., at Kingston Road United Church, Toronto. Covid precautions are needed. A link to a livestream of the service will be found on the church website: kruc.ca. If you wish to honour Marion and her deeply held values about social responsibility, we encourage donations in her memory to West Hill United Church, Sparrow Lake Camp, the Royal Life Saving Society Ontario, a choir or orchestra - or an organization of your choice.