Marion Evelyn Birnie

BIRNIE, MARION EVELYN. Passed away peacefully at Nithview Home, New Hamburg on Sunday, March 6th, 2016. Born in 1919 in Gravenhurst, Ontario the daughter of the late Charles & Doris (Thompson) Mahoney, Marion lived there until she was married and moved to Barrie, Ontario. She was married to the late Ronald Alfred Birnie for 25 years and then partnered with Leonard Pledger until he passed in 1996.  Lovingly remembered by her daughters Janet Marie Hornby and Carol Joanne Lachance, by her brother Frank Mahoney and sister Teen. Marion was predeceased by her sisters Verna and Joan and brothers Charlie and Jack and son-in-law Raymond Lucien Lachance. Marion will be missed by her three granddaughters Monique (and husband Darren Tilley and their children Calum and Kieran of Cambridge), Rochelle (and husband Steve Doherty and their children Liam and Aidan of Goderich) and Nicole (and husband Greg Greatrex and their children Georgia and Carson of Turks & Caicos).

Marion was crowned Miss Muskoka in 1937 at the age of 17 winning “Muskoka’s Loveliest Girl Contest” with her beautiful smile and personality.  Marion worked mainly in the hotel industry and was the Manager of Housekeeping at the Continental Inn in Barrie, one of the largest convention centres north of Toronto before it closed.  Marion was also an avid traveler who visited Hawaii, England, Scotland, Wales, the East & West Coast of Canada and many States in the US including New York and Florida.  She loved to drive and would often jump into her little black Chevy Camaro “the Black Mariah”, put on her black leather gloves, grip her red plush covered steering wheel and head out.  She loved the beautiful fall colours when she was driving. Casper & Roxy were two of Marion’s greatest loves, her cats and they would compete to sleep covered up with her under the blankets. She loved to put each on a leash and walk them around her neighbourhood. She also loved the beach and was an avid swimmer, taking her children to swim in Gull Lake near Gravenhurst and her grandchildren to the beach in Barrie. She was brave and courageous in her life decisions, she loved to talk about yesteryear and her memory was pretty amazing.

While at Nithview, Marion’s colourful language and infectious laugh always seemed to entertain the caregivers where she was well loved and will be missed. The family would like to thank all the staff of Nithview for all their care and attention while she lived there (or as Marion often expressed with a smile “God dam you!”).

The family have decided to have a small memorial service at the Barrie Union Cemetery in the summer to intern the Ashes so that all the family can be together. Another announcement will follow closer to the date with details.

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.ca would be appreciated by the family.