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Marion Alice (MacWilliam) Osler

January 12, 2010

OslerMarionWEB012010

OSLER, Marion Alice (MacWilliam)


Marion quietly slipped away from us on her next journey, just before 7 PM, Jan 12, 2010 with family at her side. Born in Salisbury, New Brunswick, on Tuesday, March 27, 1928, she was predeceased by her parents Albert Edward & Dorothy Alice (Bannister) MacWilliam, and beloved husband Erwin Earl Osler. She is survived by her brother Vernon Gregory (Ruth) MacWilliam, and adoring nephews & nieces; David (Sharon), Heather, Laurin (Randy) Clarke, Graeme, Ian (Jane) and many grand nephews & nieces.

Marion grew up in Salisbury, Moncton and Halifax, Nova Scotia. She played basketball during her High School years & was on the Queen Elizabeth High School Grads girls basketball team who became city champions of Halifax.

Marion went into Nursing in 1949 and worked for the NS Dept of Public Health for 3 ½ years during which she went to the hospital in Shelburne, in the wintertime, and during the summers helped provide dental services to school children in rural NS. This also involved driving the 5 ton Dental truck, fixing it when it broke down and pulling the odd tooth. In 1952 she joined the Canadian Dental Corps, specialized in oral surgery. In June 1957, Marion was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star, in Halifax NS. She joined the Army Militia in 1958 and received her commission a year later, in the Canadian Women Army Corps (Reserve).

She married Erwin Earl Osler, on June 24, 1967, in the first Tri-service wedding in Halifax. In 1969, Erwin & Marion moved to British Columbia and in the 70’s they found a great property in the Seal Bay area of Comox and built their dream home. Marion worked for three dentists here in the Comox Valley before retiring. During this time she became involved with the Cape Lazo Power Squadron and within 8 years was elected to the position of Squadron Commander in March 1979. Thus she became the first woman on Vancouver Island and perhaps in BC to be so honoured.

Marion was also an active musician of the band called “The Variations & the V4” who played regularly for seniors & other organizations. Widowed in 1997, Marion was increasingly active in the Order of the Eastern Star, which she called her safe haven. She was a dedicated member for over 52 years. She was a Past Matron, Past Grand Representative to Nevada, and past Grand Trustee. Since her affiliation with Florence Chapter #53 in 1978, she held office continuously as well as singing in the Grand Choir and serving as Sound Technician at Grand Chapter of British Columbia and Yukon for many years. She will be greatly missed by her Eastern Star family throughout the province.

She was always prepared to take care of herself, always had a dog or two & represented spirit, determination and fun. Marion will be remembered fondly & missed deeply.

Memorial donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency, OES Fund, 600 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6



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