It is with profound sadness that the family of Marion Brooks (nee Balmer) announces her passing on Thursday, June 22, 2017, in Prince Albert, SK, at the age of 77. Marion was born on September 7, 1939, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She moved to Toronto, ON, with her family in 1954. While working as a secretary in Elliot Lake, ON, she met the love of her life, Richard. They were married on September 26, 1958. In 1962, they moved to Thompson, MB, where they raised their four daughters. After 30 years, Marion and Richard retired to Prince Albert, SK.

Marion’s family and friends will remember her for having the kindest heart. She would have given anyone the shirt off her back or her last penny. She was someone you could trust to listen to all you had to say without ever passing judgement. Not only was she a great listener, but she was also well known for her gift of gab. Marion always made a point of keeping in touch with her friends and family and her phone calls will be missed by many. Marion could often be found curled up on the couch reading a good book or doing a crossword puzzle with her favorite little companions, her dogs Shadow and Roxy, by her side. She was also famous for spending time baking her butter tarts or apple pies. Marion had many different careers during her life time; however, having the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom and to help raise her grandchildren was her favorite job of all. Marion was very proud of her daughters, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved to tell her grandchildren stories and teach them songs that she was raised singing as a little girl, one of her favorites being ‘Abiyoyo’. 

Marion was predeceased by her loving husband Richard; her daughter Deborah Dunk; her parents Harold and Ruby Balmer; her in-laws Christina and Richard Brooks; her sister-in-law Dodie Mulligan; and her brother-in-law Billy Brooks. Marion will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by her daughters Marion (Derek) Bradbury, Colleen (Ralph) Wagner, and Shannon (Mike) Roeckenwagner; her son-in-law Donald Dunk; her grandchildren Andrew, Leslie, Curtis, Colin, Becky, Keith, Chrissy, Paul, Cara, Travis, Justin and Kyle; her 14 great-grandchildren; her brothers Harold (June) Balmer and Richard Balmer; her sister Ruby (Phil) Donald; her sister-in-laws Joyce St. Jean and Mary (Ron) Denomme; her brother in-laws Earl (Audrie) Brooks and Bill Mulligan; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rob Ardell, Val Borsos, Tanya Miller and the wonderful nursing staff from the 6th floor of the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to a charity of your choice. There will be a private family service at a later date. 

• Date : 2017-06-22