Marion Inez Anderson was born on February 26, 1928 in Prince George, BC to Magnus and Agnes Anderson. She was the fourth daughter and followed by a younger brother. Her family lived in Prince George for only a short time before returning to Danskin where she and her siblings grew up on a small farm.
From a young age Marion preferred to be outside and would spend much of her time with “daddy” caring for the horses and other outside chores. She loved to tell the story of how she hitched up the horses by herself and hauled a log back to the house. Marion attended school at Danskin and Grassy Plains, while attending Grassy Plains school she and her siblings were required to walk four miles.
After finishing grade eight she helped her grandmother and then worked in a bakery in Burns Lake until marrying Alan Blackwell on Sept. 6, 1946. The following year on August 23 their first son was born, followed by Nadine, Neil, Carol and Mac over the next 12 years.
Marion continued her love of the outdoors even after marriage. She worked with her husband in logging, sawmilling, guiding, and gold mining. When she was home she loved being outside gardening and spending time with her dog and her horses. She hiked the trail between Ootsa Lake and Bella Coola four times. and when she was eighty she walked the Coast to Coast trail across northern England.
Marion loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great great grandson. She took great delight in teaching them to dance, ride horses, milk cows, quilt, knit, and to never give up on anything. However the most important thing she taught us was to love, she had a serving heart and she served friends and family during her entire life.
Marion and Alan spent most of their married life living at Wistaria by their beloved Ootsa Lake. About fourteen years ago they sadly left their beautiful place and moved near Burns Lake to be closer to medical services and family but their hearts were still at Wistaria and they loved visiting the southside.
Her husband, Alan, died on September 3 three days short of their seventieth wedding anniversary.
Marion passed away on Nov. 22, 2016 with her family at her side.
Mom, we miss you so much..... until we meet again.