Marion Robena Woodson

Marion grew up on a farm near Cochrane and spent her childhood with sisters Olive and Gwyn and brother Bobby. Parents Bob and Mabel Turner raised their children to work hard on the farm and enjoy farm life.

Marion married Stanley Woodson in Calgary in 1946 after Stan returned from serving in WWII. They lived in Toronto while Stan attended university to attain a Doctor of Optometry. After graduating Stan and Marion moved to Nanaimo, and Stan set up his practice while Marion raised their four children Ron, Bill, Gwyn and Ian.

At the age of forty-five Marion enrolled in Malaspina College and then University of Victoria to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. She worked at Nanaimo General Hospital and taught at Malaspina College.

When Marion and Stan retired to Gabriola Island, Marion started writing in earnest and subsequently her writing career produced five young adult novels: Mid's Summer, Amazon Influence, Charlotte's Vow, My Brother's Keeper and Dinosaur Fever. Marion also collaborated with Gail Lund of Gabriola Island to produce musical plays and local songs.

Marion was predeceased by her son Ron, June 25,1972 and husband Stan, April 13,1991. Marion moved to the Wellesley in Victoria when she was 80 and enjoyed a full and active life participating is Choir, Church and the many social events offered.

Marion is survived by children Bill, Gwyn and Ian; grandchildren Sam and Jake (Bill), Charles and Thomas (Gwyn) and Alec and Evan (Ian). She is also survived by great grandchildren Kaiden, Tristan and Lila (Thomas and Tanya) and Axel (Sam and Brittni).

Marion was a loving, kind and generous mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be deeply missed and always in our hearts.