Vaughan was the eldest of 5 children born to Elsie and L.N. (Pudge) Marshall. As Dad was in the Air Force, she was born in Trenton ON, and spent her early years being stationed around Europe. While living in Cold Lake AB, at the age of 10, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. In those days, doctors did not know how to effectively treat this horrible affliction, and her condition steadily worsened. She spent most of her teenage years in and out of the hospital, enduring many surgeries to try and alleviate or slow down some of her symptoms, including many joint replacements. She often said, “Thank God people just don’t end up like me anymore”, due to advancements in knowledge and care. And through it all, she sang!
What Vaughan lacked in physical ability, she more than made up for with her personality and brilliant mind. She never allowed her condition to keep her down. And through it all, she sang!
At the age of 20, Vaughan moved from her family in Victoria, to the Mainland, to attend Simon Fraser University, where she earned her degree in teaching. She never moved back to the Island, instead building her life in Vancouver and eventually earning her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. She worked for many years at both GF Strong, as a Vocational Counselor, and as a Professor – teaching at UBC. And through it all, she sang!
Vaughan’s most joyous and amazing accomplishment was adopting her daughter, Maria, from Guatemala, and raising her as a single parent, to be the beautiful, talented young woman she is today. And guess what – she sings! Watching Maria perform, and hearing her sing, was the greatest gift Vaughan ever received. She could not have been more proud of her daughter.
There was never anyone in the world who fought more for every second of life than Vaughan. In the end, it was complications from heart failure that took her. Although she didn’t want to go, she was strong and brave until the end. She is missed tremendously.
Service to be arranged.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of J Vaughan Marshall May 30 1959 – August 26 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique
Our deepest condolences to Maria, and to Vaughan’s mother and siblings. Vaughan has always been exceptional, in character, intellect, dedication and perseverance. We will always hold her dearly in our hearts.
I had the brief but beautiful privilege to be Vaughan’s student for the CNPS 433 course this last summer, 2022. She was amazing, and when it was announced she wouldn’t be able to finish the course, I sent her an email wishing her a speedy recovery, to which she replied. I sent another email yesterday to check up on her, but the email bounced, only to read from the school website that she passed.
My sincere and deepest condolence to her family as I wish her eternal rest.