Mary Ellen Sarah Robinson Marrs

We are saddened to announce the death of our mother, Mary Ellen Sarah Robinson Marrs (nee Holden), on June 7th, 2023. Mom was born in Vancouver, BC, on November 29th, 1933, the 4th child of Lewis and Margaret Holden (nee Cameron). (As children we were fascinated by the fact Mom had her mother’s best friend’s name in her name—Sarah Robinson).

Mom grew up on a dairy farm on Drinkwater Road in Duncan. Mom was a graduate of Queen Margaret’s School where she made lifelong friends, Elizabeth, Sylvia, and Mona. As a young woman, she met and married our dad, Eric, the love of her life. They raised 5 children on the Marrs farm along with sheep, cattle, goats, turkeys, chickens, geese, a horse, cats, and ducks at various times and numbers along with a rescued Shetland pony and a family dog or two. Mom was not going to let anything take advantage of her charges and once warded off a cougar attacking a sheep by brandishing a shovel to scare it off.

Mom’s incredible hard work, determination, and encouragement ensured all her children went out into the world with an education and career prospects. She always said that she wanted us to be able to look after ourselves and not be dependent on anyone.

Mom enjoyed a good bargain in antique furniture and became very proficient at refinishing pieces. She also enjoyed writing long letters to family and friends. After her children were raised, she delved into farming successfully building up a small herd of registered Herefords. She travelled to Britain 4 times, wrote a book, enjoyed reading, researched several sides of the family tree, and crocheted every close family member an afghan.

Researching family trees led her to many fine people in Yorkshire and other parts of England. Mom developed some incredible friendships in Yorkshire, where her father’s family originated. These people took time out of their lives to tour Mom and other family members on her UK trips. We would like to thank them for being so kind to Mom and sharing friendships with her.

Mom lived independently until she suffered the first of several strokes in mid-2020. She was fortunate to have kind and supportive neighbours who looked out for her while she was on the farm. In the fall of 2020, Mom moved in with her daughter Pat and son-in-law Mike. Mom’s indomitable spirit kept her going until June 7th, 2023, when her body finally gave out. We will miss you greatly, Mom.

Mom was predeceased by our dad Eric in 2004 and is survived by her children Jane Ritchey (Daryl), Ben Marrs, Patsy Callewaert (Mike), Kristy Marrs (Colleen), and Susan Buttle (Pat) and grandchildren James, Shaely, Thomas, Mallory, Marcie, Eric, Sarah, and Cassie. She is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren Markus, Madison, Charlotte, and Saige.

We would like to thank Dr. Ismail and the Cowichan Valley palliative and home care nurses, who were such a great help to Mom and us over the last three years. We would also like to thank The Priory staff in Victoria, where Mom resided for the last three weeks of her life.

No service by request. Condolences may be sent to dignitymemorial.com.