As Fourth of July fireworks light up the heavens for us, our family bids a loving farewell to our much adored Marion as she joins her beloved husband of 73 years, the late Robert N. Washburn (January 29, 2018). Mom shall forever be dearly cherished in the hearts of her daughter Pat (the late Bob Reid) of Toronto, sons Peter (Glady) of Ottawa and John (John Scanlon) of Jack Lake, Apsley, Ontario.
Marion was the eldest child of the late Cecil and Edith Whyte of Hamilton, dear sister of Ann Harrison (Jim) of Vineland, the late John Whyte (Maureen) of Burlington and sister-in-law of the late Joyce Whyte. She was the proud, loving and joyful Grandma of Kim Reid of Calgary, Michael (Vera) Reid of Switzerland, Scott (Kerrie) Reid of Toronto, Jenny (Blake) Dewan of Ottawa, Jill (Noel) Baldwin of Toronto and Neil Washburn of Ottawa. Marion delighted in her great-grandchildren - Owen, Nate, Jack, Elli, Gwyn, Evan and Lauren. Each baby, child, teen, young adult, adult was loved so dearly by her and in turn, she held such a very special place in all our lives.

In younger years, Marion was affectionately known as Maid Marion of Westdale, a Voice to the Troops in World War II. After her school years, Marion worked in banking, became a very astute investor. Bob and Marion were married in 1945, when Bob was on leave from the Navy. When children arrived, Mom devoted herself to the family. Rondeau Park in southwestern Ontario was the summer home of the Whyte clan, where "Aunt Marion", along with her cohorts "Auntie Joyce" and Auntie Ann", Grandma and Grandpa Whyte were all such an integral part of the daily lives of the many children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. How fortunate we were for their constant loving embrace in which to grow up.

Marion and Bob moved the family several times as our father climbed the corporate ladder........from Hamilton, to Toronto, to Sudbury to Montreal to Toronto and in their retirement to Oakville, Sarasota, Florida and ultimately to Palermo Village. The warm and ever-affable Marion made so many enduring friendships. Mom was an avid and accomplished curler, she loved to play golf, she was an ardent bridge player, she loved cottage life, especially swimming, she had a passion for reading, Burnt Almond chocolate bars and Vernor's ginger ale. And, she loved travels, especially by train, across Canada and through Switzerland.
We shall miss her loving, vibrant presence in our lives but forever remember this kind, selfless, caring woman and all the wonderful times shared with her.
The family wishes to extend its profound thanks to Dr. Robert Gabriel of Oakville, a true angel on earth and the wonderful professional and caring Staff of Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter "Peel" Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy 10 N. of Q.E.W) on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 1 p.m. Interment Springcreek Cemetery, Mississauga.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Oakville Trafalgar Hospital are gratefully received. In honour of Marion, please extend a random act of kindness to someone in need, "pay it forward", as Marion most assuredly always did.
Our dear mother will always be respected, forever loved, never forgotten.
Love Pat, Peter and John