Marion May Scholer

Marion was born in Capreol, Ontario to William James Henry Ray Shepherd and Mildred Murial (née McCaugherty). She grew up in Ottawa surrounded by “W.J.’s” family and they moved to Belleville during her high school years. An enormous St. Bernard named Joe was a beloved family member there. Mom went through the rigorous 3 year nursing training of the time at the Montreal General, 1948 grad, and spoke fondly of those years. Marion met Erhart Nathaniel “Jim” when her nursing career took her to the veterans recovering at Lindhurst Lodge in Toronto. They married in 1951 and Patricia “Jane” arrived in 1952 with “Cathy” Catherine Anne arriving in 1954. They started out in an apartment in Toronto but soon moved to a classic story-and-a-half veterans house on 87 Wallasey Avenue in what was Weston. Eventually they built their custom-designed accessible home “far” out of the city at 1415 Londonderry Boulevard in Port Credit. Marion was in that home for 50 years and treated it to many updates over the years.

Marion had the grit to go to the University of Toronto in the 60’s to get accreditation for Public Health Nursing and she worked many years for the Peel Health Department. Marion had many interests and often took college courses to excel at them. She was talented at every type of needlework; tailoring, knitting, smocking, are just examples. Marion always looked her best from her hair, to her classic sense of fashion. She had an interest in photography, cooking, and particularly bridge. More than anything mom loved to travel and had her passports stamped all over the world! She was the happiest when she combined her love of travel with her bridge club.

Marion is mourned by her daughters Jane (Ken Estabrooks) and Cathy (Bill Ovens), and by her grandchildren Courtney (2021), and Wesley Ovens (Emily), and Geoffrey (Andrea), and Benjamin (Sreya) Dillon. She adored her first grandchild Courtney with whom she shared a special relationship. Marion also leaves 4 great-grandchildren; Noah, Vera, Niam, and Archie.

Marion lived most of her life on her own terms and was quite independent up to the age 90. At that point Cathy and Bill generously supported her in their home. Only for the last year plus was mom residing at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care where she was both cared for and very contented. Mom was very determined about her career and onwards in life. She had a dry sense of humour and a regal presence. Marion/mom will be missed – the last of her generation.

Cremation has occurred. No funeral or visitation service will be held. A private celebration for family will be held in the future. Those wishing to donate in memory of Marion, are asked to donate to a charity of their choice.