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Marion Phoebe Roberts

April 6, 2015

Sadly we say goodbye to our mother, wife and nana – Marion Phoebe Roberts (Mamie to many), who passed away suddenly on Monday, April 6, 2015. Born in Nanaimo on May 2, 1921, Marion moved to a small Alberta farm when she married Don (Dec 1943). They moved back to the Sooke District in 1948 where they raised four daughters and were active members of the community for over 50 years. They moved to Colwood in 2001. To quote Don, “She was a good wife” for over 71 years. Mom lived her life with passion, vitality, and curiosity. A poster child for continuous learning, she never considered age a barrier. Her life was a testament to her philosophy that if you wanted something badly enough you could make it happen.

She became a swimming instructor at 42, had her last baby at 45, and accomplished a life goal to graduate from high school at 68 (EMSS). Marion never looked to others to fill her time and she was never bored in her own company. One of the dear loves of her life was square dancing with Don. Avid square dancers for over 50 years they knew most square dance halls on the Island intimately – and many others across the US and Canada – thus combined two loves, travel and dancing. Mom will be lovingly remembered by her husband Donald Roberts, daughters Lynn Allaire (Michel), Shari Walker (George), Ardis Myette (Larry) and Paula Barclay; 12 grandchildren and nearly 20 great-grandchildren who will continue to celebrate her legacy.

To those of us who loved her she was a joy, a challenge and a role model of a strong and courageous woman. Mom, you will be deeply missed – we wish you peace and joy as you organize heaven and get things under control until we can be together again! A celebration of Mamie’s life will be held at the Colwood Community Hall, 2219 Sooke Road on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, mom’s request was for donations to go to the Humane Society, the Children’s Hospital, or Santa’s Anonymous.