Obituary of Marion McLeod

79, Wolfville passed away Thursday February 28, 2008 in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Windsor on Mother's Day , 1928, she was the only daughter of the late Lewis and Elsie McCoy. She was educated at Windsor Academy and Dalhousie University, where her intelligent curiosity led to both B.A and B.Sc. degrees. While at Dalhousie, she was a member of Student Council and the Dalhousie tennis team, and an active resident of Shirreff Hall. After graduation, she worked at the Fisheries Research Council (Halifax), Lederle Pharmaceuticals (Montreal), and Queen's University Medical Laboratory (Kingston). She was active in early childhood education (Head Start), and in mid-life studied and obtained a teaching certificate from the Nova Scotia Teacher's College in Truro, an unused insurance policy. Shirley's enjoyment of travel, knowledge of history, and fun loving personality, made her a welcome companion and unofficial tour guide to those who travelled with her on many memorable adventures. Her loyalty and genuine empathy for others endeared her to family and a large circle of close friends collected, and lovingly maintained, throughout her life. An often amusing frankness along with a willingness to ask the difficult question was a reflection of Shirley's total honesty and sincere interest, something that provided many opportunities for those around her to share in knowledge that may not have otherwise been revealed. She had a true appreciation of nature and the beauty it offers and took great joy in identifying the many birds visiting the backyard feeder as well as developing an eclectic garden full of colourful plants. That love of beauty extended to antiques and many a Saturday was spent at an auction resulting in a great find being loaded into the back of the family station wagon. A very active earlier life included a love of skiing, tennis, and swimming along with a sometimes frustrating relationship of sorts with the game of golf. In more recent years, she became a vocal supporter of Acadia athletic endeavours, especially basketball. With her own version of competitive spirit, Shirley always enjoyed a good game of bridge with friends or Rummicub with her family, however, her incredibly expressive face prevented her from making a career of poker. She was a long time participant in University Women's Club events, particularly in the establishment and operation of the "Book Fair" in Truro, an event which provided an opportunity to indulge in one of her passions, a love of reading. Shirley thoroughly enjoyed, was very knowledgeable and supportive of the Arts, and a willing volunteer in many other community events. She maintained an active role throughout her life in the church. The faith she developed helped her to bare her health problems in recent years with dignity, grace, courage, and an incredible smile that we will all miss. Shirley devoted her life unselfishly to her family and enriched our lives. She was much loved, and will be dearly missed by her husband of almost 55 years, Don, daughter Margaret (Barry Acton) of Ottawa, ON, and son Andrew of Parrsboro, NS. Her presence will also be sadly missed by Don's brother Allan (Charlotte), of Charlottetown, PE, and sister Phyl (Bill Bentley), Kingston, ON, her nieces and nephews, "the cousins" and by her large collection of dear friends, gathered throughout a life well lived. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home, Wolfville. Visitation for Mrs. McLeod will be held 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Sunday March 2, 2008 in the H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home Chapel, 568 Main St., Wolfville (902-542-2151). A celebration of Shirley's life will follow at 2 p.m. Monday March 3, 2008 in St. Andrew's United Church, Wolfville. Rev. Robyn Brown-Hewitt officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew's Church, Wolfville, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, or to a deserving charity of choice. Private condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca