MARION ALICE ELLIS

1938 - 2022

ELLIS, MARION ALICE (nee KING) August 15, 1938 - December 21, 2022 Marion had a zest for life, constantly being in the thick of things, whether it be her chosen profession or volunteering in later life. She was a teacher, always, whether it be her profession or generally in life. She started teaching at age 17, in those days all you needed was grade thirteen and a year at teacher's college. She went on to finish her Honours B.A. through part-time studies while raising her two kids, Tim and Kim. The challenges of doing that is what many women of Marion's generation would know about. Marion taught throughout Ontario, beginning and ending her career in York Region, predominantly as a teacher librarian. It was a good place for her as her love of books is evident by the huge number of books in her apartment. After teaching, Marion worked for OSSTF, traveling Ontario to bring resources and information to educators. She traveled extensively, whether it be New Zealand, California, or wherever. She was up for an adventure. She also loved to garden, evident in the beautiful blooms surrounding her home wherever she lived, and the care she took with it. Marion was married three times and I am sure she would say the last to Bill Watson, was the real deal. Bill and Marion had a lot of fun together. They were incredible jazz fans (or fanatics). They had legendary jazz concerts in the backyard of their Thornhill home, where many Toronto artists came to play. Marion enjoyed the company of Bill's children and their families, forging a close bond with his son-in-law, Bob Caseres, and Bob's daughter, Mimi, who live in California. It is a measure of their relationship that they continued to visit each other, making their last visit prior to Marion's passing. Marion spoke of them often. Marion was the eldest of four sisters and one brother, the youngest. She was predeceased by her sister, Carol; leaving siblings, Norma, Linda and Jonathan, and their families. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Kim, and her predeceased son, Tim Walker, both from her first marriage. Tim died tragically in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind his wife, Heather, and their newly born infant son, Scott. Marion enjoyed the mutually supportive relationship she had with Heather, and cherished the role of grandmother. Marion was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live. She said, "to hell with that" and lived another year and a half. Marion spent her final three weeks on the palliative care ward at Markham Stouffville Hospital in Markham. She received terrific care by all of the incredible staff there. She enjoyed regular visits with family and dear friends. She died peacefully, in the loving arms of her daughter at the age of 84. Her immediate family, particularly her daughter, Kim; her daughter-in-law, Heather; grandson, Scott; her brother, Jonathan, and his wife, Deborah, will greatly miss her. Marion will be remembered by her many friends. The lasting bonds they created were a blessing in the end, given the support she received that helped her through the process of illness to the end of life. The family is thankful for their love and support. A celebration of Marion's life will be planned for early Spring, when flowers are blooming. Date and location to be shared at a later date.