Marion Marie Hill passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at the age of 97 years.

Marion was born August 26, 1921 on the homestead near Beaverlodge, the first child of Laura and Edward Heller. She started school in White Rock, BC where the family lived for a few years before returning to Beaverlodge in 1930. She attended Appleton School, then high school in Beaverlodge. After attending Normal School in Edmonton, she taught in one-room schools in Elmworth and Kleskun Hill.

In 1944, Marion joined the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service and became a WREN. She served as a supply assistant until 1946. After discharge, she taught for five years in Victoria. The Navy still wasn’t accepting women, so Marion joined the Air Force in 1951 and became the first female instructor in English at Air Force School in Saint-Jean, QC. After leaving the Air Force in 1953, she became principal at Grande Prairie Montrose School for Grades 1 to 3.

In 1955, Marion married Vernon Hill. They farmed in Rio Grande area before moving close to Beaverlodge in 1962, where they continued to farm. In 1964, Marion returned to teaching, first in Beaverlodge, then Wembley, retiring in 1980.

Marion and Vern enjoyed 11 years wintering in Arizona. Marion was very active in the community, volunteering with UCW, Willow Lodge IODE, The Reading Network, Tourist Booth, Cultural Centre, Thrift Store, Beaverlodge Fair, Legion Essay contest, 4-H, and Hythe Continuing Care Centre.

Marion was interested in many crafts and taught her grandchildren to sew, knit and sand-paint, and would instruct anyone who was interested in learning. Her grandchildren received knit socks for Christmas for many years.

She was survived by children Walter, Eric, and Shannon and their spouses; seven grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; sisters Edna Sparkes and Beth MacDonell.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Vernon, brother Robert and his wife Muriel, and brothers in-law Bruce MacDonell and Ned Sparkes.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 2:00pm, at Beaverlodge United Church (403 10 St.).

Memorial donations may be made to Beaverlodge Hospital Foundation (Box 480, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0) Hythe Residents Council, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2018-11-27
• Location : Hythe, Alberta

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