It is with tremendous sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful mother Marion Vance (née Bird) of Ottawa, ON Tuesday October 13, 2026 at the age of 94. Marion was born September 3, 1932 in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was the youngest of 4 children to the late Russell Bird and Alice Noonan. She was pre-deceased by her brother Bob and sisters Pat and Betty.

Marion is survived by her daughter Catherine (Regina, Saskatchewan), Don (Lesley) Manotick, ON, along with Debbie Vance (née Fournier, Mother of Eric and Greg), Larry (Kim) Ottawa, ON, Rob (Vivienne) Cambridge, ON, Brian (Rosalina) Ottawa, ON, Grandchildren Michael Vance (Alexandra) – Great-grandson Brody and Great-granddaughter Avery, Jennifer Vance, Stephen Vance (Caitlin) – Great-granddaughter Sadie, Eric Vance, Greg Vance (Cassandra) - Great-granddaughter Everly, and Logan Vance.

Marion was a western Canadian girl at heart, growing up in depression era Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and then Victoria, British Columbia. She moved east with husband Maurice and 4 children in 1963 to Ottawa, ON , completing their family of 5 children in 1964. In 1971 Marion found herself as a single mother. She returned to the workforce to begin her lengthy career as a Medical Transcriptionist at the Ottawa Civic Hospital’s Cancer Clinic where she earned the respect and admiration of her colleague’s, many of whom would become life long friends.

Marion faced numerous struggles and heartbreak through the course of her life. None would be as difficult as the passing of Edwin Morris, an editor at the Ottawa Citizen. Marion and Ed met in 1979 and had plans of spending their lives together but his sudden death in 1982 at the young age of 52 left Marion devastated.

She carried on at the Cancer Clinic, enjoyed her growing extended family of grandchildren and shared a special friendship with Tom Smith of Ottawa. Marion and Tom spent many wonderful years together travelling and spending time with each other's families.

Marion was very proud of her family – her children, grandchildren and great grand-children. Despite being in Eastern Canada she remained close to her relatives of numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in Western Canada. This was Marion’s 2nd family and her visits to Alberta, Victoria, British Columbia and up Vancouver Island were cherished by all there who love Marion and their time spent together.

In later years and into her retirement Marion enjoyed quiet times at her home in Barrhaven tending to her flowers, plants and beautiful backyard rock garden and was filled with joy as she became a Grandmother, then Great-grandmother as her family grew to include 6 Grandchildren and then 4 Great-grandchildren.

In the last decade of Marion’s life she resided at The Court at Barrhaven Retirement Residence. The staff there are owed a very special thank you for the respect, dignity and compassion shown to Marion at the end of her life.

Marion lived a life of grace, unselfishness and compassion for others. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace Mom. We all love you, and may God bless you always.

Funeral service to take place on October 29th, 11a.m. at St. Patrick's Parish, 15 Steeple Hill Drive, Ottawa, ON followed by immediate interment at adjoining Fallowfield Cemetery and then a Celebration of Life Reception at the attached Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Ottawa Cancer Foundation or a charity of your choice in Marion’s name.