Marion Doreen Kunka Van Ochten

Marion was born on December 8, 1955, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, to her parents, Barbara and Morris Hart. As the eldest of seven children, Marion grew up with a strong sense of family, responsibility, and determination, qualities that stayed with her throughout her life.

Marion was a strong, feisty, and unforgettable woman who loved deeply and lived life in her own way. She loved to chat, share stories and never seemed to run out of something to say. Her personality, honesty, and sense of humour made her someone you remembered long after you had said goodbye.

She was a dedicated mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a pillar of strength to everyone who knew her. Her warmth and open heart meant that her family extended far beyond bloodlines: she was a bonus mom and grandmother to many who affectionately adopted her as their own. Marion had a way of making people feel welcome and her door and her heart were always open.

Marion is survived by her devoted children: Sabrina Beck (David), John Kunka (Carrie), and Dustin Kunka (Jessica). She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her cherished grandchildren: Angelique-Elijah Nichols-Kunka, Corbin Beck, Colton Beck, Ksena Kunka (Zack), Dobry Kunka, Shannon Kunka, and Dustin Kunka, as well as her beloved great-grandchild, Jaxson Welcher.

She also leaves behind her siblings: David Hart (Donna), Lorretta Neustaeter (Curtis), Eleanor Starr-Moccasin (Ernest), Russell Hart (Shelly), and Melody Bingham.

Marion shared many years of her life with her long-time companion, Doug Starks, who will deeply miss her and the friendship they shared together.

Marion was predeceased by her parents, Barbara and Morris; her brother, Johnny Hart; and two husbands: John Kunka and Leslie Van Ochten, with whom she is now peacefully reunited.

Marion leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, love and a whole lot of personality. Her strength, her feistiness, her love of a good conversation, and the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was loved by so many, and she will be missed more than words.

There will be a Visitation at Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home 3220 - 4 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 2:00 pm. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. You may access the event using the button below this obituary.

This obituary has been authorized by the family for posting on Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home’s website. As such, it is protected against any reproduction or redistribution without prior consent from the family.