Marieli MacCulloch

It is with sadness that I announce the passing of my loving mother Marieli Kaelin MacCulloch after a long illness. She was nearly 97 years old and was smiling and singing to the end. She was predeceased by her infant son William Patrick MacCulloch and Colin Harding MacCulloch, her husband of 46 years. She is survived by her sons Donald Gordon and Colin Andrew MacCulloch, her daughter-in-law Brigitte LeBlanc and granddaughters Marie-Michelle, Madison Anne and Lauren Elizabeth MacCulloch aka Chip.

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday February 9, 2017 at Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street. North York.

• Visitation with family 2.00pm to 4.00pm

• Service and Eulogy 4.00pm

• Reception 5.00pm to 6.30pm

Marie Fujiko Kaelin was born February 24, 1920 in Kobe, Japan to Martha Kaelin and her estranged Japanese husband Keinji Iio, joining her sister Katrina, two years her senior. Having survived the Yokohama earthquake in 1923, the girls grew up and attended the renowned American School in Tokyo. At the outbreak of World War II they were put under house arrest until liberated by the US navy. Katrina and Marieli were later incarcerated again as Japanese citizens entering the USA.They finally gained their freedom in 1947.

Marieli moved to Greenwich village in New York to pursue her passion for painting with the New York abstract school. She met her future husband Colin at the Time Magazine office in New York. 3 years later they met again at the Time Tokyo office and ended up getting married. Their first son William Patrick "Billy" was born on St Patrick's day 1955 in Tokyo. Colin was transferred back to New York in 1957. Tragically Billy died soon afterwards. It was devastating for Marieli and Colin.

They decided to settle down in Toronto. On April 6, 1958 their second son Colin Andrew was born, followed four years later by Donald Gordon. Not long afterwards the family was on the move again to the Orient, this time to Hong Kong for five years. They returned to Canada with a 6 week long trip through Asia and Europe culminating with a voyage from Greenock to Expo in Montreal on the Empress of Canada in1967. They just missed out seeing the Leafs Stanley Cup parade.

Over the next 15 years in Toronto Marieli focused on making her sons better in all things: scholastics, athletics, music and art. She was very hard to please! The boys were a big challenge even for her! Miraculously with her prodding they progressed successfully through high school and on to University. Sadly while in Ryerson Commerce and only 20 years old Donny or " DJ" was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He never recovered and remains very ill to this day.

Marieli continued to support DJ for the next 30 years or until she began suffering from Dementia herself at age 90. Along the way she enjoyed spending time with Andy, Brigitte and her three granddaughters (whom she found much easier to deal with than boys). She visited often including traveling to Vancouver and Montmagny into her late 80s. Even with illness and suffering in her final years she was always singing and smiling and happy to see her family.

Marieli lived an extraordinary life. She could speak 5 languages: English, Japanese. German, French and Spanish. She was a talented painter. She was a high fashion model. She loved music and had a wonderful harmonic voice. She was most definitely a citizen of the world at a time where globalization and interracial marriage was rare. Her legacy lies in her love for her family. We are grateful for the gifts she has bestowed upon us.

Marieli survived an earthquake, World War II, false imprisonment and the tragic death of her infant son. Perhaps as difficult she has cared for another severely mentally ill son for 30 years. She kept her beautiful smile, sense of humour and melodious laugh throughout. She was incredibly resilient, loyal and driven to succeed. Her strong will to live never left her. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to MDAO, Mood Disorders Association of Ontario @ http://mooddisorders.ca/donate-now or call 416-486-8046: email [email protected]