Marion Edythe was born at home, on the farm, in Sullivan Township on December 29, 1929 to parents James Elwood and Edythe Taylor (Merriam) Weeden. She joined older sister Eileen (1928) and was later followed by James (1931), who died in infancy, Leonard (1933) and Elizabeth (1937). The Weeden farm was located near the Hemstock Mill, where the family mix farmed. Marion attended the Golden Valley School on the 4th of Sullivan and later completed high school in Chatsworth.
Upon completion of high school, Marion soon began a three year nursing program at Owen Sound General & Marine Hospital. The year was 1949. Marion graduated as a registered nurse in 1951 and began working in the obstetrics department. Who knew then that she would remain in a similar position for the next 42 years. Other than a seven year hiatus, when her three children were born, Marion was a staple in the obstetric department, helping countless new mothers and babies through the years. When she retired in 1993, Marion was working in the intensive care nursery.
In 1950, while working, Marion had a patient arrive at the hospital needing their appendix removed. This young man’s name was George Arthur Long, and it should be no surprise that Marion took great care of him, as his nurse. In time, George convinced Marion to join him on a date and the two hit it off immediately. The young couple were married on April 4, 1953 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Chatsworth. After renting for a few years, the Longs purchased a farm in Sullivan Township in 1957. They had welcomed their daughter Dayle in 1955, Karen (1957) and Jim (1959) soon following. In addition to caring for her young family, Marion worked a regular shift at the hospital and could often be found out in the barn helping George with the daily chores. Life was busy for Marion on the Long farm.
In her limited free time, Marion enjoyed being a member of the Golden Valley Women’s Institute, was a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church ACW and volunteered her time as a 4-H leader. She and George loved to dance, often attending dances at local Legions on the weekends. At home, they felt it was important to teach all the kids to dance as well, with many memorable stories told of these times. Marion enjoyed playing cards, particularly euchre, and was known to enjoy knitting, sewing and quilting. She liked spending time outside gardening, either in her garden or flowerbed. Marion enjoyed her sweets and in particular ice cream! The kids fondly remember stops at DQ on the way home from weekly shopping trips. Marion always said this was because the kids were well behaved during shopping, however it might have had more to do with her desire for ice cream! 🙂 The kind of ice cream did not matter, however I am told Tin Roof Sundaes were very popular! Marion was probably best known for her baking skills. No one could compete with her apple pie or homemade bread, just ask her children and grandchildren. Even with her recipe, the final results could never compare to Marion’s talent. She was very blessed in the kitchen.
Although not much for travelling, Marion enjoyed her trips west to visit Jim and his family. She enjoyed watching, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and in time often used the famous phrase, “Is that your final answer?” Television often kept Marion company, while she worked. She was known to watch many Blue Jay games while knitting for friends and family. Marion’s faith played an important role in her life as she was a life-long member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Chatsworth. Marion was baptised, confirmed and remained an active member in the church until its closure.
Sadly, George died suddenly in 1992 and Marion’s life was forever changed. She missed him every day since! Although a difficult period in her life, Marion’s children and grandchildren were there to support her. Marion loved spending time with her grandchildren. She had a very close, and unique relationship with all of them and was always there to watch and cheer them on throughout their lives. It didn’t matter if it was in school, at the ball diamond, arena, or another accomplishment in their life. If something was happening in her grandchildren’s life, Marion was usually there!
Marion was a remarkable woman. She was a well-respected “lady” and showed others the same respect. Marion was kind, forgiving (probably too forgiving) and would do anything for anyone. She always put the needs of others before her own, and never said “no” to anyone. She was content with the life she led, enjoyed a dry sense of humour and was very easy-going. Only one story was told of when Marion lost her cool, when her kids were pushing all the right buttons when they were younger. She sent the kids outside to play and locked the door, which I am told never happened… so she was serious. There was soon a knock at the door and Marion marched over, quickly opened it and yelled, “I told you children to go outside and play!” Much to Marion’s surprise and embarrassment, the Fuller Brush man was standing in front of her. The kids would never let her live that moment down! She instilled in her family that “whatever goes around comes around” and that “you must always treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Marion suffered a severe stroke in 2011. This meant she required more care, and therefore she had to leave the farm and soon called Summit Place home. Here she enjoyed visits from friends and family. Marion’s family continued to grow with the final count of eleven great-grandchildren and she always looked forward to family get-togethers, and their visits. Her face would light up when they stopped in for a visit or stories were told of happenings in their lives. Now Marion’s life will live on in the many stories and memories told by her loving family.
Marion passed away at Summit Place, Owen Sound on Friday, October 2, 2020 in her 91st year.
Loving mother of Dayle (Reg) Mannerow of R.R. #1 Chesley, Karen Doyle of R.R. #2 Annan and Jim Long (Guylaine Kohl) of Stettler, Alberta. Cherished grandmother of Matthew (Jennifer), Joe (Heather), Corey (Jenn), Briawna (Mike), Jenna (Marc), and Colter. GG will be dearly missed by her great-grandchildren Daphne, Penelope, Jackson, Jack, Parker, Sullivan, Cooper, Lillian, Sybil, Rourke and Hazel. Marion will be fondly remembered by her sister Elizabeth Hampson of Guelph and sister-in-law Mary Weeden of Thornbury. She was predeceased by her husband George, son-in-law Vern Doyle, sister Eileen Spence, brothers Leonard and James in infancy and her parents, James Elwood and Edythe Taylor (Merriam) Weeden.
Private services honouring Marion’s life will be held with interment to follow in St. Paul’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Chatsworth.
Memorial donations to the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce or Children’s Wish Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
