Obituary for Marion Ruth McLeod (McLeod)
Marion Ruth McLeod Nov. 16, 1937 – Dec. 23, 2021 - With heavy hearts we announce that Marion Ruth McLeod, our dear mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 84.
Marion is the beloved mother of Edward Olver, Bryan Olver (Mary) and Lynne Olver (Rob); the proud Nana of Angela and Anthony Olver; sister-in-law of Ralph Dick; cherished aunt of Arlene Jillard, Murray Dick (Sharon) and Marni Peters (Al); and great-aunt to their children.
She was patient. Wise. Gentle, yet determined. Creative. Generous. Curious.
Marion and her sister Audrey grew up in Toronto and on the shore of beautiful Georgian Bay. They both developed a deep and abiding love for nature. Mom made close friendships with cottagers around Honey Harbour and treasured those relationships her whole life. Swimming, sailing and canoeing were favourite hobbies in her youth.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts at Victoria College, University of Toronto, Marion obtained her primary school specialist certificate. From the 1960s to the 1980s, Marion taught hundreds of kindergarten students in Scarborough, Vaughan and Bolton, while raising her three children with their father. In the 1990s, she taught kindergarten as well as English as a Second Language in Brampton.
Languages, cultures, travel, music, the natural world and constellations intrigued Marion. She was inquisitive and enjoyed learning through research and observation.
In retirement, she and partner Hugh Hanson settled in Newmarket. They were fortunate to travel each winter, making impressive use of their passports. But our mother could hardly wait until spring, when it was time to head north to her true home – Minrock Cottage. Days were happily spent bird-watching, gardening, berry-picking, boating, and chilling with the family on the beach. She rarely set foot on a trail without camera and binoculars. Mom carefully photographed and documented the flora and fauna on her property and across Georgian Bay for decades. With friend Dorothy Brace, she tramped through fields, marshes and bogs to collect data for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. If Mom couldn’t answer your question about wild flowers, turtles, nests, insects or aquatic creatures, she would look it up and let you know.
Marion preferred to focus on the positive in people and situations. We will miss her abundant inner strength, unconditional support, and genuine interest in our lives.
She was predeceased by her parents, J. Russell and Lillian McLeod; big sister Audrey (McLeod) Dick; nephew Murray; best friend Betsy Hegnauer; and recently, her partner of more than 30 years, Hugh.
Many thanks to the medical staff at Southlake Regional Health Centre, especially the ICU nurses.
At her request, no funeral service will be held. If you wish to remember Marion, please consider planting a tree or supporting a conservation-focused charity of your choice.
Marion is the beloved mother of Edward Olver, Bryan Olver (Mary) and Lynne Olver (Rob); the proud Nana of Angela and Anthony Olver; sister-in-law of Ralph Dick; cherished aunt of Arlene Jillard, Murray Dick (Sharon) and Marni Peters (Al); and great-aunt to their children.
She was patient. Wise. Gentle, yet determined. Creative. Generous. Curious.
Marion and her sister Audrey grew up in Toronto and on the shore of beautiful Georgian Bay. They both developed a deep and abiding love for nature. Mom made close friendships with cottagers around Honey Harbour and treasured those relationships her whole life. Swimming, sailing and canoeing were favourite hobbies in her youth.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts at Victoria College, University of Toronto, Marion obtained her primary school specialist certificate. From the 1960s to the 1980s, Marion taught hundreds of kindergarten students in Scarborough, Vaughan and Bolton, while raising her three children with their father. In the 1990s, she taught kindergarten as well as English as a Second Language in Brampton.
Languages, cultures, travel, music, the natural world and constellations intrigued Marion. She was inquisitive and enjoyed learning through research and observation.
In retirement, she and partner Hugh Hanson settled in Newmarket. They were fortunate to travel each winter, making impressive use of their passports. But our mother could hardly wait until spring, when it was time to head north to her true home – Minrock Cottage. Days were happily spent bird-watching, gardening, berry-picking, boating, and chilling with the family on the beach. She rarely set foot on a trail without camera and binoculars. Mom carefully photographed and documented the flora and fauna on her property and across Georgian Bay for decades. With friend Dorothy Brace, she tramped through fields, marshes and bogs to collect data for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. If Mom couldn’t answer your question about wild flowers, turtles, nests, insects or aquatic creatures, she would look it up and let you know.
Marion preferred to focus on the positive in people and situations. We will miss her abundant inner strength, unconditional support, and genuine interest in our lives.
She was predeceased by her parents, J. Russell and Lillian McLeod; big sister Audrey (McLeod) Dick; nephew Murray; best friend Betsy Hegnauer; and recently, her partner of more than 30 years, Hugh.
Many thanks to the medical staff at Southlake Regional Health Centre, especially the ICU nurses.
At her request, no funeral service will be held. If you wish to remember Marion, please consider planting a tree or supporting a conservation-focused charity of your choice.