Marion Jean Woods McNeill

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Marion McNeill, died at Pinawa Hospital on July 11, 2024. Marion was 99 years of age. 

Marion is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband John (Jack) McNeill, her parents (Alvin Woods and Anna Mae Fabian), and her beloved brother The Honourable Justice Lloyd A. Woods. 

Marion was born in Ottawa, and as a teenager during the Second World War, she moved with her family to Kingston. Mum would sometimes talk about how the war left Ottawa without many young men, and how “things changed” when she moved to Kingston – it was 30 to one. While in Kingston, she met a young engineering student at Queens, Jack McNeill, and they married after Jack (who was a sergeant in the Canadian Army) returned from service in England after the war. 

Jack was a mechanical engineer, and Marion spent their early married years living in towns near hydroelectric construction sites in northern Quebec, while raising a young family. The family finally settled down in Montreal in 1958 where Marion lived until 2013. Marion’s next adventure took her to Pinawa, Manitoba to be close to her daughter Marilyn. Marion resided at the Ironwood where she quickly made numerous friends who became in her words “my new family now”. 

Marion was accomplished in both the arts and sports, and gave her time generously to charitable causes. Her athletic interests included alpine and cross-country skiing, swimming, tennis, and badminton. In her youth Marion enjoyed shooting sports and canoeing. Her hobbies included painting, sewing, and bridge. Marion was an active supporter of the United Church Women (UCW) at Valois United Church. 

Marion loved to travel, and in her mid-seventies, she struck out on her own to England, Greece and Italy. She traveled across Canada too – she loved her country – and spent time with her children and their growing families. Marion was the type of person who gave so much to help other people, but preferred to do so quietly – in the background and out of the limelight. 

Marion was known for her warm smile and kind heart. She was the heart and soul of our family, and she will be dearly missed. At Marion’s request, burial will be private for immediate family, but before she died, she made it known she wanted us all to raise a libation in her memory.

On behalf of the family, very sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Pinawa Ironwood and Pinawa Hospital for their thoughtful and dedicated care of Mum. Over the years, Mum received care and support from numerous friends and people too many to mention, but the family especially thanks the Lac du Bonnet Medical Group, Pinawa Dental Centre, Pinawa Physiotherapy, and all staff working at the Pinawa Mall. Friends wishing to honor Marion are invited to make a donation in her name to The Pinawa Foundation.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com