Early on June 13, 2023, Marion Heggie passed away at the age of 89 years, following a lengthy illness.

Marion Heggie had 5 kids, 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren (so far!). When her kids were growing up, she did all the laundry, most of the cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, keeping the household together, and she created an environment that ensured all the neighbourhood kids would enjoy gathering there. And gather they did. She stayed up till her teenage kids got home, no matter how late (or in the wee hours of the morning). She wouldn’t complain, she’d just ask if they had a good time and then get to bed. Children were free to make their own decisions, and she was there to pick them up when they fell. Her kids knew the meaning of unconditional love. She always loved, always forgave, always hugged and was a friend as well as a Mom.

Marion really didn’t deserve the difficult battle with Alzheimer’s that slowly consumed her over the last 15 years of her life. It’s a terrible disease. To see someone full of so much love and compassion lose the ability to communicate was very difficult for all who loved her. For the last few days her five kids all gathered to be with her. To hold her hands. To kiss her. It seemed that she knew they were there.

The fact that her five kids all get along, live close to each other, have zoom calls, tell jokes, and gather at Christmas and other holidays says a lot about the family values their Mom and Dad instilled in them.

Her children made sure one of them was there holding her hand and talking to her when God took her on June 13 at 3 a.m.

The family she leaves behind will remember their mom, mother-in-law and grandma always and she will be in their hearts every day until they see her again. She is in a better place where she and Dad can rekindle their beautiful relationship, maybe visit Barbados again, and look forward to the kids coming home to see her.