Marion Eveline SAMWORTH C.M.

1924 - 2023

MARION EVELINE SAMWORTH C.M. nee Gilbert Wife of Reginald Gower Samworth MBE June 23, 1924 - October 15, 2023 It will surprise no one who knew Mum that we wrote this obituary together several years ago. It was a most enjoyable morning with coffee and pastries. She was glad to tick this item off her list, happy in the knowledge that she had checked its accuracy, as well as my grammar and spelling. She was intelligent, capable, brave, loving and artistic and never wavered making decisions. In her own words from the envelope labelled Open When I'm Dead: 'Don't weep too much (I've already done it all for you). I've had a productive and good life due almost entirely to the greatest of children and grandchildren. I dearly, dearly have loved you all.' Marion was born in Wales and educated in England, graduating from Chelsea College of Physical Education (affiliated to the University of London) while at the same time qualifying as a physiotherapist. She became Physical Education and Dance Specialist at Sutton Coldfield High School, Warwickshire and then emigrated to Canada in 1948 to become Senior Physical Education Specialist at Ovendon, Barrie and subsequently at Branksome Hall, Toronto and the St. Mildred's Lightbourn School in Oakville. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 1991 for her many years of volunteer service including: President of the Oakville Red Cross; Radio Reading Service for the Visually Handicapped; Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario; the Royal Commonwealth Society; Ontario, Quebec and Eastern provinces representative for GAP Activity Projects; several roles with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Canada including President of the Ontario division, National Chair Special Projects, Chair of the Awards Standards Committee, National Director and ultimately National President. At the Royal Ontario Museum Marion worked in the Reproduction Shop as a Day Manager, was a member of the Volunteer Committee (office coordinator), a ROMWalk Guide and desktop publisher for the ROMTravel group. She died peacefully and is lovingly remembered by daughters Philippa and Clare (Brad); and grandchildren Alex (Lily), Emma, Caroline, and Andrew. Profound thanks to the nurses and staff of Revera Forest Hill Place. A memorial service for Mum will be held in St. Alban's Chapel at Royal St. George's College, 120 Howland Ave. at 10 a.m. on November 18th. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award would be greatly appreciated www.dukeofed.org