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
Dear Maureen, our heartfelt condolences to you and all of your family.
What a wonderful love story and legacy. Your mother’s beautiful spirit will always be with you, and your family.
I remember the first time I met Marion when she visited you and how she passed on wise words of wisdom as we chatted about being a mom.
Know that you are in our thoughts and our hearts.
Jennifer Frank and Family
I am sending this message on behalf of my mother Marlene Appleby nee Roddy. Marion was a bridesmaid at my mothers wedding in 1954. When Marion converted to Catholicism Marlene became her godmother. My mother is visiting from Regina and asked me to look for Marion on the Internet and unfortunately we found this news. My mother has very fond memories of Marion and send condolences to you all. She is in Victoria for another week. Feel free to contact me if you want to chat with her.
Maureen. Sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I always remember her as a kind and gentle lady.
Also sorry to hear about your dad as well. He helped me when I bought my first house back in 1982.
To the McGeough Family.
My heartfelt sympathy on Marion’s passing. She was a lovely, gentle woman and a dear friend of mine.
Shelagh