It is with deep sorrow and much love that family and friends mourn the passing of Marion Theresa Cooper (nee O’Donnell) on April 22, 2026, at the age of 68 at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound, Ontario.
Marion was the loving wife of Alex for 44 years. She was the proud mother of Brendan (Pamela), Alan, Thomas (Megan), Rory (Cassie), Riley (Ellie) and Dylan (Kathy). The commitment and devotion shown to her six sons was remarkable. Encouraging each to grow individually within a family context became her strength.
She was a grandmother to seven of the sweetest representatives of the next generation: Jackson, Avia, Henry, Benjamin, Jameson, Beckham and Finley.
Marion is survived by her four brothers, Brendan, Kevin (Stephanie), Brian (Kathy) and Kieran (Christy) and nieces and nephews Celine (Kyle), Russ (Marcie), Brian (Andrea), Serena, Kaeden (Rob), Sean (Rob), Liam, Ryan, Morgan and Madison as well as Nora’s sister, Auntie Maureen in Wexford, Ireland. Also survived by brothers-in-law Don and Bruce (Mengqiao).
Marion is predeceased by her father, Sean (1979) and mother, Nora (2025) and parents-in-law, Douglas (1982) and Margaret (2008). Tragically predeceased by godchild Eli/Kiera.
Born in December 1957 in the chilly winter weather of Edmonton, Marion and her immigrant parents, originally from Ireland, moved back overseas to England. After returning to Canada a second time the family settled in Hamilton, Ontario. Family life in Hamilton revolved around church and strong ties to the ex-pat Irish community. Marion particularly enjoyed and excelled at Irish dancing. At 15 years old she started working with her mother who was nursing at a long term care facility in Dundas, Ontario. Marion worked in a nursing environment for the next 53 years. Marion attended nursing school in Guelph, Ontario and upon graduation worked in Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. When her dad fell ill she returned to Hamilton and eventually to London to Victoria hospital. Her next adventure was in northern British Columbia in Hazelton where she worked five years at a United Church mission hospital. Shortly after the birth of her second son the family returned to Ontario and Marion worked two years as charge nurse at a psycho geriatric ward at John Noble Home in Brantford. In 1987 she moved to Walkerton with Alex and two children and started work at Brucelea Haven. In Walkerton Marion engaged in the local community and formed many close friendships. After 10 years in the long term care setting, Marion accepted a role with Victorian Order of Nurses providing nursing care doing visiting (home) nursing. Marion then switched to the South Bruce Grey Health Centre doing patient education and hospital administration. In early 2009 Marion switched to the Brockton Area Family Health Team as a nurse educator, internationally accredited lactation consultant and registered diabetes educator. Marion was scheduled to retire in the spring of 2026.
Throughout her lifetime Marion worked diligently to maintain and develop strong relationships with the legion of relatives from Ireland
In recent years Marion and Alex travelled to Europe (Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal), Egypt, the Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia (Bali) and Singapore.
Marion designed and produced the very successful Family Expos in Walkerton. With her sons’ love of sports, Marion also spent many hours volunteering for Walkerton Minor Soccer Executive as treasurer and coordinating enrolment.
Marion was well known as the owner of the MOMS UNIQUE FINDS store in Walkerton. MOMS provided top quality children’s clothing, toys, and breastfeeding supplies and support. Her calm and gentle manner, along with an incredible staff provided customers and clients with local and trusted support.
Once a part of the local business community, Marion spent countless hours as a member of the Business Improvement Area to help with the local and small business planning and coordination of multi-store sales.
Beyond her family Marion’s greatest personal impact was likely with diabetes patients and supporting new moms and their babes. Always non-judgmental and supportive, her patients received the best care possible.
Friends and relatives are invited to visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Cameron’s in Walkerton (1106 Yonge Street South, Walkerton). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Sacred Heart Church, 220 Victoria Street South, Walkerton. Fr. Leszek Szczygiel presiding. Reception to follow at Knights of Columbus Hall, Walkerton (1658 Highway 9, between Walkerton and Mildmay.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Saugeen Hospice, Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated in place of flowers. Donations and condolences may be made at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com
If you have a story of how Marion has impacted your life, please share it with the family by sending it to marioncoopermemories@gmail.com.
Information about this request is found on the Marion Cooper Facebook page.
