Marion Jane Coles

After 92 years of irreverence, curiosity and a sincere passion for brightly coloured scarves, Marion [nee Wilkenson] Coles has set off on her next adventure. Her family and friends will miss her cheeky smile, capacity for fun and her love of ketchup. Growing up in Toronto in the 40s, her family was fortunate enough to have a small cottage in the Muskoka’s on Acton Island.

Warm and wonderful summers were spent swimming and playing in boats with friends. This was

the beginning of an adventurous life that would lead to trips skiing in Kitzbuhel in Austria, hitchhiking around Europe and a summer working in the Yukon. While completing her Bachelor's at U of T, she was able to transfer to UBC for a year, where her love for the outdoors grew. She joined the varsity outdoors club and fondly recalled hiking trips in the nearby mountains.

Returning east long enough to obtain a Master of Psychology from McGill, she headed west to Vancouver again. Joining the ski patrol at Seymour allowed her to ski for free (at the expense of those who may have needed actual medical attention). A great collection of friends ensured more hiking trips and time spent exploring the West Coast.

After dating for years, an ultimatum was made, and a marriage proposal was accepted from Harry Coles. They then settled down again in Ontario, raising two daughters, Catherine and Anne. Marion worked with the Catholic School Board as a child psychologist. Harry and Marion purchased land on Georgian Bay, on which they built a summer cottage that provided the entire family with decades of joy. Marion and the family packed the car for Twelve Mile Bay at the end of June, only returning to the city occasionally to replenish supplies. Marion enjoyed and appreciated sailing, shore suppers with lifelong friends and neighbours, reading on the deck and creating unique meals from whatever could be found in the cupboards. After a few gin and tonics, many memorable evenings were spent singing loudly with friends at sunset.

A combination of early retirement and a daughter living on Vancouver Island presented an opportunity to move west again, this time settling in Nanaimo. The travel bug remained, and trips to Europe, cruises up the West Coast and winters in Arizona continued.

After 33 wonderful years together, Harry passed away too soon (1997). But now there were now adored granddaughters Sydney and Mackenzie to visit, and her travels continued. Marion celebrated her 80th birthday with her family on a cruise to Alaska, where she took everyone by train to see her old workplace at Lake Bennett. Making connections was easy for Marion due to her long commitment to the United Church of Canada. She sang tenor in the choir and volunteered on many committees for more than 50 years which created and nurtured many friendships. After leading such a long and rich life, it would be difficult not to be inspired by her love of life, friendship and adventure. She was a fantastic mom and a great role model for embracing fun and taking chances. Missed dearly but never forgotten.

A huge thank you to the wonderful caregivers at South Granville Park Lodge and St John's Hospice. Their genuine attention and care for Mom was deeply appreciated. A special recognition of Dr Jothi Jayaraman, who continued to care for Mom after retiring from her practice. The are no words to express our gratitude for her exceptional dedication and compassion.