Marion Evelyn Beard

Marion Evelyn Beard passed away peacefully at the age of 84 in the early morning of Sunday January 29, 2023 after exceptional care at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.

Marion was born to Mary Elsie Miller and Arthur Adam Miller on October 30, 1938 in Turtleford, Saskatchewan and grew up in Saskatoon with her four sisters, Beverly, Lillian, Mildred, and Doreen. After graduating from business college, Marion moved to Bermuda, where she worked as a dance instructor. It was there that she met Fred, her best friend and husband of 61 years.

The couple moved to Metchosin on Vancouver Island, and Marion worked as a secretary for Yarrows in Victoria and had two boys, Paul and Michael. The family then moved to Maui where they ran a resort for five years, and finally settled in Victoria, where Marion took the family on camping and boating adventures, drove the kids to Cub Scouts and soccer games, and helped run the family computer stores.

Marion enjoyed volunteering for the Kinsmen Mother's March and working at Government House, where she took part in the 2002 visit by Queen Elizabeth II. She cultivated her interest in antique history by visiting Victoria’s antique auction houses and volunteering at Craigdarroch Castle. She also enjoyed taking nuline dance classes at the Monterey Rec Centre, watching mystery movies and television, solving jigsaw puzzles, and playing card games with Fred on the sun deck, accompanied by their beloved cat Yoyo. And she displayed an exceptional talent at word puzzles, whether it was Boggle, Wordl, or Bananagrams.

Marion made a lasting impression on everyone she met, who all noted her warm and kind nature.

In keeping with Marion's wishes, her family will celebrate her life and scatter her ashes privately. Marion was predeceased by her husband Fred and is survived by her two sons Paul and Michael, and her sons’ partners, Nola and Chelsea.