Obituary of Marion Elizabeth MacKinnon

Marion Elizabeth (Smith) MacKinnon November 4, 1920 - November 13, 2020 Beloved mother of James (Susan Gentleman), Kingston, On; Joan (David Charles), Gananoque, On; Donald (Marusia Kobrynsky), North Battleford, Sk; and the late Mary MacKinnon (died 2010). Grandmother of Andrew MacKinnon (Toronto, On); Ross (Lupita) Charles (Bristow, Va) and Christy (Tyler) Legouffe (London, On); and Keith (Vancouver, B.C.), Katrina and Khrystia MacKinnon (Saskatoon, Sk). Only child of W. Gordon and Lily (McGiffin) Smith, Marion was born in Ottawa. Marion graduated from Queen's University in 1943, then joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service, serving as a visual signaller in Halifax, N.S. and Prince Rupert, B.C. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, she married James William (Bill) MacKinnon in 1949, and spent most of her life in Ottawa, where she worked tirelessly as a volunteer in many organizations. Marion was involved in the University Women's Club and in Queen's University alumni groups, and was on the Queen's University Council while in her 80s. All of her children either attended or taught at Queen’s. The onset of dementia made life difficult and in 2012, Marion moved to Carveth Care Centre to be near her daughter. Her health and mental abilities continued a slow decline until her passing. Many thanks to the staff at Carveth for their care over the last eight years. Memorial donations may be made to MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Road, Ottawa K1M 2H3 or Doctors without Borders. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at MacKay United Church at a later date.