Marian Alice Jordan

With sadness for her loss, and gratitude for her life, the family of Marian Jordan (nee Bayne) wishes to announce her death, in her 96th year of life, in the still and quiet of early morning on February 24.

Marian was born in Guelph, Ontario in 1928, just before the Great Depression. She was the last of her generation and a descendant of pioneer settlers in Wellington County (the Baynes arriving in 1846).

Marian outlived her parents Alice Bayne (nee Worton) and James Willard Bayne, her devoted husband of 62 years David Carlyle Jordan, and her dedicated brother Francis Willard Bayne (Lynn Borthwick).

Those left to mourn the loss of such a beautiful person are Marian’s sons Mark (Allison) of Morden, Manitoba, Scott (Jean) of Ottawa, Ontario and Pete (Marie) of Denver, Colorado, grandchildren Cole, Emily, Andrew (Zac) and Julia (Böđvar), and many extended family members across North America.

She was also predeceased (a long, long time ago) by two childhood cats, Peter, and “Vicky.” Vicky’s full name of Victory Soon Hope Winch-Bayne reflected the reality of growing up during World War Two, and the influence of Marian’s best childhood friend (Gerry Winch, later Gerry Roffey).

In her childhood, she had many adventures, including wandering from home as a very young girl, only to be found by the police in Exhibition Park where she had “gone to play.” This was likely the start of her independent streak, a quality (along with stubbornness!) that stood her well in later life. After High School, she attended Peterborough Normal School (teachers’ college), and started her teaching career in Brantford, Ontario, before returning to Guelph to teach primary school.

Like many women of her generation, she eventually traded her career for another job: looking after her children full time. And what a mother she was! Never angry, always supportive, continually an advocate for her cherished sons (including arguing with teachers), fully engaged in their interests and proud of all their accomplishments. When the kids were older, she went back to teaching, part time, at Ponsonby and Aberfoyle public schools.

Marian was ecstatic with the arrival of each grandchild and was a doting, enthusiastic and loving grandmother. She reveled in the achievements of each of these wonderful young people and was just so proud of each and every one of them.

Marian was sports minded in her younger years, playing basketball, badminton and curling. In her very last year, she took up table shuffleboard where she delighted in beating her son Scott almost every time (always with a sly smile on her face). She was also an avid singer and bridge player. She became a painter in the last several months of life, and produced some remarkable works of art. Still learning to the end!

There were so many friends in Marian’s life, drawn from bridge and sorority (Beta Sigma Phi). Those sorority friends and their spouses became a tight knit and treasured group of pals, and they sure knew how to have a good time.

She loved traveling. She and her beloved husband Carl travelled the world both with another couple and through Carl’s microbiology conferences. The adventures ranged from Bali to China, Africa to New Guinea, Europe to South America, and even living in both England and Australia for a year.

Thanks go out to the staff at her Retirement Residence who took her under their wing, especially in the last two years, and cared for her and took her to exercise and painting classes and sing-alongs (sometimes under slight protest!). She enjoyed everything as she was able. Thanks also to cherished friends who helped accompany Marian in her final days.

Marian left a positive, indelible, mark on those around her by her deep caring and shining energy. Having lived such a long life helps to lessen the blow to those left behind, but how we will miss her.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place in Marian’s home town of Guelph at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be appreciative of memorial donations to Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre (https://crossroadschildren.ca/) in honour of Marian’s passion for children. Donations can be made, with great thanks, at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/6109 .