Marion Doreen Frederick

With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Marion Doreen Frederick (nee Beatty) who passed away at Vancouver General Hospital after a brief illness. At 93 and a half, Marion’s remarkable life touched many people, and though she gave us many years, her passing feels far too soon.

Born in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, to homesteaders Lottie Rose and Elgin Beatty, Marion was the third of eight children. Growing up on the prairies gave her the rare combination of an indomitable spirit and an easy-going nature. Living on a farm far from town, she rode her Shetland pony, “Midget,” bareback to Carlton Junction School each day. After a fire destroyed the family home in the early 1940s, the Beattys rebuilt, and when it was time for Marion to attend Carlyle High School, the whole family moved to town.

After graduating, Marion went to Toronto to live with her Aunt Marg and cousin Rita, beginning her first big adventure. At 18, she began working for Mitchell and Ryerson Insurance. Missing home after a year, however, she returned to Saskatchewan and worked in the accounting department at the Regina Leader Post from 1950-1952. Her next chapter took her to Edmonton, where she worked at Massey Harris and NAR Telegraphs, living with close friends, including Della, Marion, Lorraine, and May, with whom she stayed in touch for the rest of her life.

In 1954, Marion met George Frederick on a blind date she always recalled with a cheeky smile. They married a year later and welcomed their first son in 1956. Together, they traveled throughout Western Canada for George’s work as a timelock inspector. In 1962, they had a daughter and called the West End home. After a brief venture owning a hotel in Nanaimo, where Marion worked at the front desk, the Fredericks moved back to the mainland, purchasing a home for $17,500 on East 1st Street in North Vancouver, where they welcomed two more children, completing their family of four.

Marion’s dedication to her community and faith was unwavering. A member of St. Edmund’s Church and the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) for nearly 60 years, she was happiest when she was involved. Through her volunteer work, she supported many causes, from door-to-door canvassing for numerous charities to helping form the Ridgeway Ratepayers Association. Equally committed to her children’s activities, she helped at Sports Days, attended school plays, cheered at her son’s soccer and minor hockey games, drove her kids and their teammates to away games in a fully packed car, and tirelessly fundraised for tournaments, field trips, and swimathons. Stylish and fun, she was a great mum.

Known for her delicious French fries, Marion could whip up a batch at a moment’s notice, and they disappeared as quickly as they were served. Generous and unpretentious, she couldn’t walk down Lonsdale without running into a familiar face. She was enterprising, too. While balancing all her other responsibilities, through sheer hard work she built a successful housecleaning business, which she ran for over 40 years before retiring.

As her children grew, Marion’s sense of humour and work ethic remained constant. In the early 90s, she and George downsized to a townhouse near the Harry Jerome Rec Centre. With fewer obligations, they went on many road trips and cruises, but always returned to the North Shore. Despite being diagnosed with MS in 2005, Marion showed inspiring resilience, staying active by working out daily and swimming three times a week until shortly before her passing. It was her quiet strength and determined spirit that allowed her to stay in her own home until the end. Easy to please, and never one to complain, she was an extraordinary lady whose quick prairie wit endeared her to friends and family alike. In short, she was a gem.

Predeceased by her husband George of 63 years, son Joseph, and siblings Ivy, Eileen, Glen, Ken, Dale, and Donnie, she is lovingly remembered by her brother Terry Beatty (Pat); children Pamela Gojevic (Brendan), Christopher (Megan), and Toni-Lynn (Jamie); grandchildren Jennifer, Erin, Adam, Lori, Samuel, and Nicholas; her five great-grandchildren; and her best friend of more than 50 years, Mila.

A funeral mass and reception will take place at 11am on Saturday, February 1st at St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, 535 Mahon Avenue, North Vancouver. Parking is available behind the church.

Marion’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, adventure, strength, and service to others. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, with gratitude for her singular personality and unforgettable cheeky smile.