Marion Isobel (nee Smith) Stead

Marion was the only daughter of four children born to Leslie and Cora Smith in Singhampton, Ontario. She was predeceased by her brothers, Neil and Gordon. Her younger brother Jim still lives in Flesherton, just down the road from the family home. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was thrilled to attend the celebration of her oldest granddaughter's birthday this past March – she was surrounded by family and she was so happy! She also leaves behind a large extended family on Al’s side, most of whom live in Newfoundland. Marion was a very social teenager; she enjoyed skating, swimming, and skiing in Northern Ontario. She was a regular church goer and loved to go to dances. As a teenager, she headed to Toronto and took on a job at an insurance company. It was in the city that she met the love of her life, Al (Allister) and they married in Flesherton on September 19, 1953. They raised three children, Doug, Darlene and Donnie while living in Toronto and later in Malton, where they resided for over 40 years. Marion was instrumental in the success of Al’s roofing business, which he started the same year they married. She did the bookkeeping, payroll and handled all the phone calls. She kept Al on track and loved doing it. In addition to this work, she volunteered for Elections Canada and did canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. As the only daughter, she would call her brothers every Sunday and keep up to date with all the family news. Al and Marion did everything together and one of their favourite outings was Marion’s hair appointment on Fridays followed by dinner out. Since Al’s passing in 2012, Marion and Darlene lived in Brampton, where she enjoyed visits with her friends from church, Pam, both Vals, Leone, and Sophie. In her sunset years, Marion relied on Darlene for support, and Darlene was grateful for her Mom’s companionship. Marion was a very engaged person, with an incredible memory. She remembered names and dates and details for the rest of us. She loved reading the paper and watching her TV shows and the news every night. She was enraged when Lisa LaFlamme was let go and she wasn’t shy about letting you know. Marion watched church on television every Sunday after she was no longer able to attend in person. She was equally up to date on politics as she was with what was happening with the Kardashians. She could have an intelligent conversation with anyone on any topic, and she did. She loved to talk to people almost as much as she loved Cool Whip on her dessert. Marion’s biggest frustration as she aged was her failing eyesight and hearing, which made communicating a challenge. We will miss her endless stories and her laughter. As her granddaughter said upon her passing, “Grandma is with Granddad now, and she can see and hear and go for long walks.” We feel thankful for that.

A memorial visitation for Marion will be held on Tuesday June 6, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Andrews Community Funeral Centre, followed by a Service at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Arthritis Society Canada.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andrewscommunityfuneralcentre.com for the Stead family.