Obituary of Marion Beebe
Marion Gertrude Beebe was born on September 20th, 1922 and passed away October 23rd, 2015 at the age of 93.
Marion was born in Coronation, the eldest daughter of Selma and Ed Fraser. Her sister Gladys was born 2 years later.
The Fraser Family moved to Oregon for a very short time before settling in the Peace River Country. Marion completed her grade school in Grimshaw. She had many fond memories growing up and often told us how she was fortunate to be "part of a strong family, with caring parents, who cherished her and Gladys." They always felt loved in their family.
With strong encouragement from her parents, Marion left home at the age of 18 to attend Normal school in Calgary. Her first teaching job was in a 1 room school house in Didsbury.
The next year Marion moved to Forestburg to teach at a bigger school. She started that year as Miss Fraser and ended it as Mrs. Beebe. Marion met Paul Beebe at a dance at Hastings Coulee Hall. They were married July 23rd 1945. Marion moved to the Beebe homestead as a new bride, in the Hastings Coulee area. Jean was born in 1946 and Fraser in 1947, thus ending her teaching career for a few years while she cared for her children.
Times were tough and money was tight, teaching was a way Marion could bring in some money to help the farm. Jean, Fraser and Marion lived in Spruce Coulee and then Strome, while Marion taught at those schools. Eventually they returned to Forestburg and joined Paul on the farm again, back in Hastings Coulee.
Lorne was born in 1953 and tragically killed in an accident in 1972. It was a difficult time for the entire family, but Marion knew God got them through it.
Marion always spoke about how blessed she was to be a part of the Hastings Coulee Community. During tough times they could always count on their Coulee neighbours. Marion knew that Hastings Coulee was the best place in the World to live. She treasured her friendships and said they "were a gift from God."
Marion had many interests. She enjoyed being a member of the Hastings Coulee Ladies Aide, going to Bible studies, driving her car, knitting, floor curling, gardening, baking bread, serving tea to neighbours that dropped by……Luntys, Stensons, Brennans, Horricks, Mallets, Jones………………... Paul and Marion's home was always welcoming to relatives and friends.
Marion was grateful that her children and Grandchildren lived close to her. She loved her family. Marion was happy when her Granddaughters came to stay over and most anything was allowed at Grandma's house. There are many stories the Granddaughters tell about how much fun they had with their Grandma. In later years Marion enjoyed visits from her Great Grandchildren too. She felt blessed that she got to watch her family grow over the years.
She was predeceased by her baby sister Dorothy, parents Selma and Ed, her son Lorne, husband Paul and sister Gladys.
Marion will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Jean, son Fraser (Judi), Grandchildren Rachelle (Richard), Danielle (Tyson), Mary-ann ( Kyle), Kate ( Brad), Jonathon Great Grandchildren Makenzie, Jaden, Brittyn, Hudson, Evan, Zachariah, Rebecca, Ethan and Gavin.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. at Hastings Coulee Hall on Thursday, October 29, 2015. Memorial donations in memory of Marion may be made to Fairview Cemetery, Galahad Ladies Auxiliary or Charity of donor's choice.
