Tribute

The family of Marion Peckinpaugh sadly announce her peaceful passing at McKinney Place, Oliver, BC on December 10, 2020.

Florence Marion Sargent was born Feb. 27, 1920 in Toronto, later moving to Regina where she completed her education. Following graduation, she took employment at her dad’s dental supply office. She soon met her soulmate, Douglas Peckinpaugh. Following their marriage in 1942 they lived in Calgary, before settling in Edmonton, where their son Cameron and daughter Lynn grew up.

She was a stay at home mom, encouraging the children in their school work and sports endeavours.

As well as being a consummate homemaker, Marion was also owner/operator of a high end ladies fashion store in Edmonton for several years.

Figure skating played a very large part in the Peckinpaugh family. Daughter Lynn, adopted daughter Shirley and daughter-in-law Judy were all competitive skaters, and Marion spent many late nights sewing hundreds of sequins on their competition skating costumes.  As well, she became a beloved ‘Skating Mother’ to a multitude of skaters at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton.

Doug’s involvement as president of the CFSA led to their appointment, in 1968, as chaperones for the Canadian Figure Skating Team at the Olympics in Grenoble, France and later at the World championships in Geneva. This was quite a challenge for Marion, not due to her duties as chaperone, which she performed effortlessly, but because of her lifelong fear of flying.

Marion shared Doug’s love of fishing, and they spent many peaceful hours together on Alberta’s mountain lakes, in particular Goldeye Lake.

They retired to Cherry Grove estates in Oliver, BC. in the late 70’s, enjoying the social activities and golf at Cherry Grove in the summer, and wintering in Yuma, Arizona.

In the 90’s, they became full-time Oliverites, joining the Oliver United Church family, and enjoying the fellowship of the congregation.  Marion served on church committees and was a founding member of the United Church Sunshine Soup Kitchen which, prior to Covid-19, was still serving delicious home-made soup in the community.

Following Doug’s death in 2002, Marion moved to Park Place, and later to Heritage House. On February 27 this year, she celebrated her 100^th birthday at a special party hosted by Marilyn Kirkpatrick, manager of Heritage House.

Marion had a lifelong love of music, and acquired an extensive collection of LPs, tapes and CDs, ranging from (A) Al Martino to (Z) Zamfir, and included opera, jazz, swing, country and easy listening.

She was the epitome of a lady, always gracious and dignified, perfectly coifed and smartly dressed, with never a hair out of place – in fact, when her doctor told her he was retiring she bemoaned that losing your doctor was almost as bad as losing your hairdresser!

She was a loving grandmother to four, and great grandmother to five. And will forever be remembered for her delicious home baking, in particular her made-from-scratch lemon pie.

As well as husband Douglas, Marion is predeceased by her parents, Ernie & Mabel Sargent, brother Jack; mother-in-law Pearl; brothers-in-law Harold & Joel; sisters-in law Marian, Jackie, & Doris.

Mourning her loss are son Cameron (Judy), daughter Lynn (Vern Schaefer), grandchildren Jennifer (Richard Park), Kim (Stephen Bates), Mitchell Peckinpaugh, Douglas Schaefer; great grandchildren Emma, Benj, Dustin, Kaylynn & Riley; nieces and nephews.

The family extend sincere appreciation to the staff at Heritage House and McKinney Place for their support and compassionate care; and to John & Daryn at Nunes-Pottinger for their exceptional assistance at this time.

No service due to Covid. If you wish, you may make a donation in Marion’s memory to Oliver United Church or other charity of your choice.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com