Marian Eileen Morin

Born on a leap day in Maidstone, Saskatchewan, Marian’s life was anything but ordinary. She delighted in the fact she only got a “real” birthday once every 4 years. She passed away peacefully in the morning hours of September 17th, 2025, at Cumberland Lodge in Cumberland BC —where she spent the last three short months of her life, she was 89.

During the war years Marian lived in Maidstone, first with her mother and sister, then when her father returned at the end of WWII, moved to Red Deer where they built a home. She would return to Maidstone every summer and stay with her Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Tom McClelland.

Marian was forged in prairie steel and Saskatchewan soil. She was tough as nails, though she’d scoff at the comparison—“Nails bend,” she’d say. Her childhood was filled with chores, grit, and the kind of resilience that made her a force of nature. She spoke fondly of her Auntie Dorothy and the farm. She would work with Dorothy in the kitchen, garden, and then with the preserving, milking cows, and minding her little cousins.

She met and married Henry (Hank) Morin in 1955 at CFB Penhold Alberta, near Red Deer. After 3 years and 2 babies, they were transferred to CFB Winnipeg, where they lived for 7 years and grew the family by 3 more. In 1966 they were transferred to CFB Comox where the last of the clan was born. After Stephen started school, Marian took work at the Woodrow Brothers Farm on Knight Road in Comox and later at the Comox District Free Press until her retirement.

Marian was predeceased by her first husband Hank in 1987, then partner, the ever-colorful “Dick Osmond” (Dickie) in 2013. Marian never remarried—partly because she’d already had two husbands, and partly because she preferred baseball. Even after Dickie passed, she spent endless hours watching the Blue Jays, despite having every opportunity to choose something better. But that was Marian: loyal, stubborn, and oddly fascinated by men in tight pants arguing over strikes.

When she could still see, she made quilts so beautiful they could stop traffic. Each one was stitched with love, precision, and probably a few muttered curses. Her creations warmed homes, wrapped babies, and reminded everyone that beauty could come from calloused hands and a sharp tongue.

Marian raised six children with a blend of love, idiomatic expressions, plenty of homemade bread and the occasional threat involving a wooden spoon:

- **Janette (Dave Miller)**: Grandchildren Josh (Kirsten)—great-grandchildren Sophia and Aria; Casey (Tara); Emilie (Dave Lane)—great-grandchildren Colette and Theo.

- **Joe (Wendy)**: Grandchildren Jesse (Nicole Gavac)—great-grandchildren Gabriella and Sebastian; Ryan (Sara)—great-grandchildren Natalie and Zoe; Matthew (Joanne)— greatgrandchildren Henry and Mia; Ben—great-grandchild Parker.

- **Jacquie (Tony Abud)**: Grandchild Eli (Sarah)—great-grandchildren Sevren; Leah and Brooklyn.

- **Marc**: Predeceased 1984, but forever part of her heart.

- **David (Catherine Douglas)**: Keeper of her legendary relish recipe.

- **Stephen (Mariah)**: Grandchild Bailey

-** Several foster children over the years.

Her family tree is more like a forest—lush, very loud, and full of life. Marian was the matriarch, the storyteller, the one who kept track of hundreds of family and friends’ birthdays, made sure no one left hungry or without a good laugh or something handmade. She believed in hard work, never ending cups of tea, and saying what needed to be said (whether you wanted to hear it or not). Her house was a haven of safety, warmth, wisdom, and wildly inappropriate fridge magnets.

She was never known as ‘Grandma’. She preferred the grandchildren to know her as just Marian or ‘Maw’ as she was known by the youngest grandson Ben and then the greats.

Marian leaves behind a legacy of resilience, humor, and love that spans generations. Her spirit will live on in every quilt displayed, garden planted, sarcastic quip delivered, and moment someone chooses honesty over politeness.

So, here’s to Marian—farm girl, our mum, grandmother, great-Maw, and certified legend.

Raise a glass, tell a dirty joke, hug someone a little too hard and kiss them on the lips. That’s how she’d want to be remembered.

Rest easy, Marian. You were one hell of a woman.

The Morin family acknowledges the compassionate care and respect Marian received at Cumberland Lodge over the last few months - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

A celebration of Marian’s life will be held at the home of Joe, 3849 Marine Drive in Royston on Sunday October 12th from 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.