Marion Constance McCaig

She was 81 years old. Marion was born in Antigonish Nova Scotia to Kathleen (nee Wheten) and Henry Gustavus Bernasconi. She is survived by her sister Shirley Cuthbertson (Wade), her husband Alan and her children Corwin (Sarah, Aiden, Ethan and Evan), Jonathan (Genevieve, Liam and Emilie-Rose), and Kirsten.

Marion was exceptionally bright and as a student she achieved the Governor General’s Medal for the Province of Nova Scotia. She completed her BA degree by the age of 19 and then her teaching degree at St Francis Xavier University. Later she went on to attain her Masters degree in Education at the University of British Columbia.

Marion took a teaching job in Calgary, AB in the late 1960s where she met and married her husband Alan. It was during this period that she had her first child, Corwin. During those years she also developed a great group of lifelong friends with whom she continued to remain in contact. The early 1970s brought them to Vancouver, BC and then eventually to Kelowna BC where she lived, worked and raised her three children. Marion later retired to Antigonish, then back to Kelowna, and then spent the last 5 years in Victoria supported by her children, Jonathan and Kirsten.

Marion’s dedication to education led her to become the head of the learning department at Mt Boucherie High School in Kelowna. Her love of learning extended to helping her children achieve their fullest potential along with being a constant cheerleader for their lives and careers.

Marion loved to travel and explore new places and cultures, always making friends along the way. She travelled to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, the US and Mexico.

Marion loved and was very loved by her children. It should be noted that Marion was an independent soul and she had many opinions on life and the world. Reflecting on her life in a recent Christmas letter Marion quoted Frank Sinatra writing “I did it my way”! This sums up Mom’s journey perfectly. Marion lived life to the fullest, as best she could, and in the end what more could any of us want.

A mass will be arranged in Kelowna for family and friends this summer. Instead of flowers please considering donating to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish Nova Scotia or a local charity of your choice to help kids in need.