Marion Ethel Harris
1931-2022
It is with the deepest regret that the family of Marion Ethel
(Downey) Harris beloved wife of Ralph D. Harris, of 62 + years, of
Oromocto announce her passing at home on May 29. While she will be
deeply missed the family takes great comfort in the knowledge that she
is no longer in pain and is at home with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ.
Marion was born on October 9, 1931, to Roy and Grace Downey,
at home, in her beloved Albert Mines, Albert County. She was the
fourth of five children and the second of two girls in the Downey
family.
Marion’s professional life revolved around the
field of Education, toiled for 35 years, beginning at the tender age
of 16. As a graduate of the Provincial Normal School with a first
class licence, the University of NB with a Bachelor of Teaching and a
Bachelor of Education and the University of Maine with her Masters in
Testing. Education was extremely important to her. Marion taught in
Albert Mines, Uplands, Stilesville and Hillsborough, all in Albert
County, before arriving in Oromocto in 1957. Marion always liked to
tell the story that on her first day in the classroom in Oromocto she
had one student and got paid at noon hour. This is also where she met
the love of her life, Ralph.
In Oromocto she taught in Hubbard, Assiniboine, Drummond and
Summerhill. She was vice-principal at both Drummond and Summerhill
before moving to the School Board Office where she provided a much
respected program for students with special needs. She retired from
the School Board Office as a highly respected educator in
1985.
Besides her husband and best friend, Ralph, Marion is
survived by her son, Douglas (Gerry) of Fredericton, grandson, Kenneth
(Selena), great granddaughters, Mackenzie and Riley; daughter, Cheryl
(Randy) White, grandson, Andrew of Edmonton, great granddaughter,
Sadie and great grandson, Bodie, granddaughter, Sarah (Anthony) Wells,
great grandsons, Parker and Simon, great granddaughter, Ava. She is
also survived by her brother Dale of Pugwash, NS.
Marion was predeceased by her parents, her mother and
father-in-law, Hilda and Edgar Harris, her brothers Autho (Lillian)
and John, as well as a sister Louise (Ray Steeves).
After moving to Oromocto in 1964, Marion became a faithful
member of the Oromocto United Church where she taught explorers for
several years. Was a regular member of the Oromocto Women’s
Auxiliary and helped other members of the congregation provide meals
for the Rotary Club of Oromocto for a number of years. She was also a
volunteer with the Oromocto Hospital Auxiliary.
Ralph and family express our most heartfelt thanks to the
Oromocto Extra Mural Healthcare Workers who are so dedicated. Thank
you so much for answering so many of our questions related to
Marion’s health and for being so patient and kind with her.
Our heartfelt thanks also go out to Richard Paradis from Bayshore for
his care and professionalism towards Marion. She would not have been
able to stay at home without his help and patience.
A visitation will be held at Oromocto United Church on
Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8
pm. A Funeral Service will take place at Oromocto United Church on
Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 2 pm with Rev. Lori Beth Sheffield-Bowles
officiating. In accordance with the church’s policies,
attendees must wear masks and sanitize while in the church. Interment
will be held at the Oromocto Pioneer Gardens at a later
date.
For those who wish to remember Marion, flowers will be
gratefully received, but should you wish to make a donation we are
suggesting the Oromocto United Church or a charity that works with
children.
www.oromoctofh.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marion Ethel Harris 19312022..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick