It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, and Friend, Marion Louise Denny (Francis) on August 26th, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Marion was born on November 3, 1946, to the late Chief Charles A. Francis and Mary Elizabeth Francis (Gloade). Marion was a member of the Holy Family Parish. She loved her pilgrimages to St. Anne De Beaupre in Quebec and St. Ann’s Mission in Chapel Island.
Marion married the love of her life, Keptin Leonard Peter Denny on July 22nd, 1967, and together they had five children; Sharon, Leonard Jr., Keptin Leon (Yolanda), Levi (Shelley), and Clara (Wesley). Leonard sadly passed away on June 2nd, 1983, with his beautiful family left to mourn. Mom’s unwavering devotion to raising her family, and ensuring she raised them well, was unmatched. She was an extremely proud Mom to her Babies and believed in spoiling her Grandbabies. Her love was truly unconditional, and she opened her home to many others throughout the years, including helping with the raising of her grandbabies, Jessie, Larry-Levi, Petey, and Booboo.
Along with her loving children, Grandma Jown is survived by her grandchildren (“my babies” as she’d say); Jessie (Skyler), Len Scott (Valene), Megan (Cass), Lee Chuck (Jennifer), Cady Malia’n, Aurianne, Larry-Levi (Stephanie), Cayden, Petey, Kassidy (John), Lindros (Kat), Levi Jr. “BigGuy”, Liam, Leon “Juny” (Abigail), Layne Charlie Charlie (Aleigha), Brooklyn “Booboo”, Sasheen, Isabel, Kellsey Kelly, Joelle, and Ivy; and great-grandchildren- Kalolin Je’ni Skye, Roslyn, Lenny, Leelen, Leia, Royalty, Lyrik, Lenden, Maylyn, Linkin, Qospem, Lee Ji’j, Malia’n, Lemieux, Aleigh, Arie, Acelynn, Larry “Bro”, Adalynn, James, Kassie, Lizzy, John, Aurora, Elora, Leighton, Luke, and Lenayah. Grandma was predeceased by two special angels- Lytnen Denny and Caslyn Gould.
Marion is survived by her siblings- Gerald (Mabel), Paul K, her right-hand woman and bestfriend Sandra (Ken), Charles Jr., Barry (Eicka), and baby sister Jeanette. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings, Carolann, Shirley, Dennis, Lena, Margie, Marion Paul, Lena Joe, and Blair.
Mom had numerous godchildren- Walter Jr “Wally”, George “Tex”, Lenora, Jason “Jex”, Melissa, Gerard, Amanda, Melanie, Ann, Elyse, and Madeleine Sugar Poulette.
Marion worked hard to provide for her family, taking on many roles, and was devoted to helping others along the way. She was a proud Eskasoni Band Councilor for 8-years in Ward 1 but proudly served the entire community. She also previously worked at the former adult vocational training centre as a teacher and mentor to her students. She was also a former board member of various organizations including the Unama’ki Tribal Police and Health Board. She previously worked with the Union of Nova Scotia Indians (serving two terms as Vice President), and Eskasoni Economic Development.
Mom/Grandma Jown will be especially missed for her quick-witted humor, and fierce support for those she loved. We knew we could do anything we put our minds to, because Mom always made us believe that we could.
Mom truly missed her best friends that passed before her and is now no doubt enjoying a feisty game of “watchugot” with them, especially Mary Jane Dennis.
Visitation for Marion Denny will begin after 7p.m. on Thursday, September 12th, 2024, at her residence and family home on 23 Yarrow Lane, Eskasoni. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00a.m. on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at Holy Family Parish, with Fr. Antolin Asor and Deacon Tom Sylliboy officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Salite and Meal will follow at the Sarah Denny Cultural Centre.
The family would like to thank the Palliative Care Nurses and Doctors, Dr. Todd, as well as the excellent CCA Workers, especially Stephanie Christmas, for their unwavering care and love for our Mom. Special thank you to her right-hand woman and loving daughter, Sharon, for the beautiful care and love provided to Mom, and all those who helped along the way.
