Marion Edith Ketcheson

May 6, 1927 – March 30, 2025

Our dear, extraordinary mother left us on March 30, 2025 at the age of 97. She has left an ache in our hearts, but our minds are full of a lifetime of wonderful thoughts and memories.

Marion had a long, beautiful life that was not without heartache, but she never displayed any signs of hurt or anger. She was strong beyond words and never faltered in the face of adversity.

She left a lasting positive impression on all those who crossed her path. So many have commented in the last few weeks that once you met Marion, you would never forget her.

Marion was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on May 6, 1927 to William (Bill) and Edith (Dede) Hector. She had an older brother, Jim. Marion’s mother Dede died when she was just 11 months old and Marion was taken in by a family in Courtney, BC. After having her for a few years, that family wanted to adopt her, but Grandfather Harry Stewart intervened and took her back to Victoria to live with him. She was later taken back to Regina Saskatchewan to reunite with her father and brother. Bill Hector had since married Gladys Oakes, and was now able to care for his children. Sadly, when Marion was only 5 years old, her father died unexpectedly. Jim and Marion were now left to be raised by their step mother Gladys. From that time on, Gladys was only known to them as “Mom,” and she dedicated the rest of her life to raising those children.

Marion had a happy childhood full of love and friendships. She attended Central Collegiate High School where she made many lifelong friends and met her future husband, Bob Moyer. Marion left school after Grade 11 to join the work force. “That’s what girls did back then!” Her first job was at the drugstore in the Medical and Dental Building. From there she moved on to work at the Darling Hat Shop in Regina.

Bob and Marion were married on November 11, 1944. They remained in Regina where Bob worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the PFRA and Marion was a housewife. They raised three children, William Lloyd (Bill), Douglas Robert (Doug) and Karen Lynn.

In 1972 Bob and Marion divorced. With the help of her mother Gladys (Nan), Marion continued to provide for her three children and give them a very happy, full childhood. In 1968, once all three children were in school, Marion starting working in the cosmetics department at the Hudson’s Bay store in Regina. Due to her love of people and beautiful outgoing personality, she thrived in the retail world making many lifetime friends. She went on to work at Phyllis Eisler’s Dress shop and then once again joined the cosmetics world working at Eaton’s Department Store. Marion had an innate sense of style and beauty and always looked remarkable. She considered herself a cosmetician and did everything possible throughout her career to learn and master the field. She carried those lessons throughout her life, always looking her best and dressing impeccably.

In 1992 Marion retired from Eaton’s. At that time, she was dating Hugh Ketcheson. Marion and Hugh married on August 3, 1993. They had a beautiful, fun, loving relationship and enjoyed, listening to Jazz, watching the Saskatchewan Roughriders, travelling and spending time with family and friends. In 1994 Marion and Hugh moved to Victoria, British Columbia. They continued their wonderful life connecting with family and old friends in Victoria and making many new connections. As Mom would say, “they had a ball!”

Sadly, Hugh passed away in 2000. Marion was of course devastated but in her true fashion, carried on. She remained in their townhouse and continued to be involved with their family and friends. She was very fortunate to have some very close family members, Patsy Moyer and her partner Mike Griner and Ken and Norene Stewart. They were huge supports to Marion during this difficult time. She also travelled frequently to visit her children and grandchildren in Regina, Whitehorse and Augusta, Georgia and travelled the world with close family and friends. Some of her trips included, Kauai, Russia and Mexico.

In 2016 Marion moved to Berwick Retirement Village. Shortly after moving she become involved with Keith Saddlemeyer. They enjoyed a loving companionship until his death in May 2020. Life slowed down for Marion in August 2019, when she fell and broke her hip. After her surgery, Marion and Keith moved into Selkirk Seniors Village. The broken hip slowed Marion down physically but she continued to have her spunk and outgoing personality. She always kept up her appearance putting on her makeup, keeping her hair coiffed and dressing nicely. She kept the staff at Selkirk laughing and on their toes. She never stopped flirting and looking for a boyfriend!

Marion passed away peacefully at The Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria with her children at her bedside. She leaves behind her children; Dr. William Lloyd (Wendy) Moyer, Doug (Jill) Moyer and Karen (David) Dross, seven grandchildren; Amy Moyer (Nick), Eric Moyer (Erin), John Moyer (Kelsey), Allison Sparling (Tyler), David Bash, Jennifer Bash and Taylor Bash; and many cherished nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Hugh Ketcheson, parents, Bill and Dede Hector, mother Gladys Hector and brother Jim Hector.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Selkirk Seniors Village for their excellent and devoted care of Marion throughout her time there.

Marion was cremated and is resting at First Memorial Gardens in Victoria, BC with her beloved husband, Hugh. A memorial service will be held in the First Memorial Gardens Chapel at 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC on Monday May 26th at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Marion’s honour.