Gladys ‘Marion’ McGeough (Dean) — Grandma, mom, wife, sister, daughter and amazing friend, Marion passed away on Monday, July 15th in Saanichton, British Columbia. She joins her husband, Gerald ‘Gerry’, her daughter, Barbara, and her older brothers and sister. She is survived by her children, Maureen, Mike, Chris, Gerry, Kevin and Rosemary. She will be dearly missed by her children-in-law, Warren, Colin, Leslie, Luce, Amanda and Pat, her thirteen grandchildren and their partners, and the many people she touched with the depth of her kindness, warmth, and generosity throughout her lifetime.
Marion was born in Yelland, Fremington, England on March 26, 1934, the youngest child of Charlotte Eleanor ‘Nellie’ Dean (Shenton) and Herbert Percy Dean. She was sister to John, Bert, Ted, Jim, and Barbara.
Marion moved from London, England to Govan, Saskatchewan at the tender age of 14. Although the transition from the bustle of the big city to the open prairies was a shock, it was eased when she met and fell in love with Gerald McGeough.
Highschool sweethearts, Marion and Gerry were married October 21, 1956. Gerry loved to note that they were married for 63 years, but Marion was his girlfriend for 70. Their steadfast love for each other shone throughout all those years.
They lived briefly in Saskatoon, where Marion supported Gerry through law school as an administrator at the Royal University Hospital. They then moved to Calgary with their first child and their remaining six children were born in Calgary. They raised their family at their beloved home, Brickburn.
Marion loved the outdoors and shared her passion for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits with her kids – a legacy that lives on in current generations. A consummate reader, she passed on her love of books to kids and grandkids alike. She was an enthusiastic traveler with a love for discovery and new cultures. Marion was known for being a fabulous cook, a talented crafter, and a gentle, kind human being. She gave from her heart in support of innumerable charities as both a volunteer and a donor.
In 1988, Marion and Gerry moved from Calgary to North Saanich, British Columbia, into Ty Môr – their house by the sea. There, they welcomed their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends into the unique pace and spirit of this home, the beauty of the ocean, and the warmth of time together.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption (7742 West Saanich Road, Saanichton) at 1pm on September 7th, 2024. An open house memorial will take place the following day at 12pm on September 8th at Ty Môr (820 McTavish Road, North Saanich).
In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Marion’s incredible kindness, the family requests donations be made to charities where two of her grandchildren work; the Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria, or Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA). Please go online to donate.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
14 Responses
Mike
Your mother sounds like she was a bright light in this world who gave so much joy and inspiration to her family. May your wonderful memories bring you peace and the reminder that her love lives on. Our Deepest Condolences to your entire family.
Gabe and Jay
Dear Maureen, Mike, Chris, Gerry, Kevin, Rosemary & Family
True love is rare and it’s the only thing that gives life real meaning. Love never dies.
Gerry & Marion’s love for each other & their family would light up the whole room. I’m deeply sorry for such a tremendous loss in losing your parents. I can only imagine what you have gone through. I wish you all the warmth of my heart, and your Mom & Dad’s love will live surrounding you always and give you peace in the moments.
Their love for each other and their family is a wonderful legacy.
Dianne & Doug Corbett
I am very sorry for the loss of Marion. An amazing half to an amazing couple, and a wonderful mother to my dear friend Barbara. Rest in peace.
To all the McGeough family our deepest sympathies on the passing of your lovely mum. She was warm and generous and welcoming on every occasion we met.
It’s always sad to say goodbye to one’s mum. Never are we ready for that final goodbye. We’re thinking of you and sending big hugs and love to you all ❤️ xo
Mary Laird & family
Mike
We were so sorry to hear of Marion’s passing. Even though we did not have the pleasure of knowing her well, we know she was a kind, compassionate and humble person because we see her in you.
Thinking of Marion and you at this incredibly difficult time.
Darla & Craig
What a beautiful love story and a life well lived! How beautiful that her legacies will live on through the generations! Our heartfelt condolences to your entire family Maureen.
With love, John and Sandy Welton
Dear Maureen:
What a fabulous life your mother lived. Her incredible family is her legacy and a fine one at that. Who could ask for more.
Sending love and sympathy.
Susie and Greg Belton
To Maureen’s wonderful family, our heartfelt condolences. Your mom’s legacy will live on in the hearts of so many – and through the memories that were shared. I feel like I knew her from the happy stories that Maureen has told about with her big, warm family. Love to all,
Terry and Bruce Creighton
Bill and I are saddened by Marion’s passing even though she had a long and full life blessed with a beautiful caring family. She will certainly be missed but her joy of life will live on in her children and grandchildren. Our heartfelt sympathies to you all.
Dearest Maureen – sending you love and big hugs on the loss of your beautiful Mum. You are never really quite ready. Our deepest condolences to the entire Spitz family at this sad time. You are in our prayers.
With love
Deborah and Michael Walke