“There’s one more angel in heaven, there’s one more star in the sky …” was not just a line from one of her favourite musicals, it has now become personified with the peaceful passing of Marion Julia Hayward (née Cowell) on January 4, 2026, in her 90th year. Predeceased by Ted, her husband of 59 years, she is survived by her sons Joseph Edward and Robert John, her grandchildren Nathaniel, Rebecca, Leah, Laura, Emily and Vanessa, and her great-grandchildren Ophelia, Josephine, Theodore and Paisley. She will be missed by Isabel Hayward-Atkinson, the Varas family, her sister Dot’s family and by her brother Edward Cowell, his wife Laurie and their family.

Marion grew up in Brantford, Ontario and attended high school at the Brantford Collegiate Institute before attending The Hospital for Sick Children to study nursing. After graduating in 1957, she married Ted in 1958, raised her sons and finally settled in Brampton, Ontario. Marion then began her nursing career eventually becoming the Head Nurse in the Operating Room at Peel Memorial Hospital where she remained until she retired.

Marion’s life was one of service; to the community as a long-time nurse at Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton, to her family members, friends, friends of her children and in fact, anyone looking for her practical, sage advice. Many is the night when she would sit at the kitchen table, well into the night, sipping apricot brandy and dispensing this advice to those seeking her counsel.

Marion was an avid reader, swimmer, gardener, and a known collector of Boston Terriers named Perky. She will be remembered most for her infectious laugh, her captivating storytelling, and her devotion to her friends and family. She was a constant source of light and gave unconditionally to those around her—opening her heart and her home to anyone in need. Her grandchildren revered her sharp wit and energetic spirit, which allowed for endless games of cards, trips to Bracebridge, and campfires at the cottage. Marion instilled values of tenacity and generosity in her children and grandchildren, who are lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from someone so full of life, wisdom, and kindness. Her legacy will live on through all who have had the pleasure to know and love her.

Many thanks to the professional staff at Macassa Lodge in Hamilton and in particular the caring staff and volunteers on Ward A3.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).


The anticipated ceremony consists of:
4:00 - 6:00 visitation
6:00 - 7:00 tributes from family and friends.
7:00 - 7:30 formal funeral ceremony.

You can join this session by using the link:

https://mcmaster.zoom.us/j/99463670320
The password to join is 451475.
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