Marion Josephine Hoover

She spent this past year, fighting cancer and told everyone she was going to live to 100. Mom met each day with an optimistic and cheerful attitude. She never complained or gave up. Her faith in God anchored her firmly in her hope for the future.

Born in Toronto to immigrant parents Christina and Joseph, Mom was feisty from the start. She survived a difficult birth, and was told numerous times before the age of 18 she would die. She fooled them all and lived to be 87.

She was a fierce protector of her younger brother Joe, often getting into fist fights on his behalf. Little Joe would yell her name and she would come running. Mom was always a champion of the underdog.

At the age of 16 Mom graduated from a 12-month senior secretarial course at Park Business School. Not only did she graduate with honours but she completed the course in only 10 months! In her role as an executive secretary, she would meet her soulmate Ron at CUNA Mutual, where they both worked. Two children Gregg and Kristin were adopted to add to her family. Many years later, her one and only grandchild Kennedy was born. Mom adored Kennedy and the two were often seen eating out together, enjoying each other's company. Family was everything to her and she loved us all.

Mom’s love of cooking and baking made her popular. Early on she was known as the Candy Apple Lady, giving out over 300 apples each Halloween. She began making peanut brittle 40 years ago and her ‘Maid Marion’s Peanut Brittle’ was known far and wide to be the best ever. Up until her death, she would carry packages of brittle in her purse to give away. She was generous and kind to all.

Often, during her journey through this illness Mom would say, “I can’t believe so many people are taking care of one little person - me!” We would like to thank all the staff at the Juravinski, especially her oncologist Dr Sagar (her hero), nurses Marianne and Raman, Lucie - nutritionist, Ann - PT and the many paramedics. Thank you to Alison - RMT for helping Mom feel pampered and soothed. Thank you to CAP especially Jim who provided equipment to help Mom. Thank you Elsie and Ann for our fun Fridays.

Thank you to her niece Cheryl, for calling, emailing and texting Mom all through her journey. A special thank you to Pauline, Tim, Adam, Don, Janet, Martin and Debbie for being there during the roughest parts. She was not alone. She felt so loved.

One of her sayings during Covid was, “It will get better. It always does.” For us who are left without her, it doesn’t seem like it will.

Mom you are one in a million and our lives are better because we were loved by you.

Proof of full vaccination, along with government issued ID, are mandatory to attend indoor funeral services for those age 12 and older. Masks are required. Memorial Visitation will be held at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue E. on Friday, November 12, 2021 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. Celebration of life will occur at a later date.