MARION STOPFORD

Marion Stopford, avid sales finder, auction deal maker, ruthless card player (no such thing as friends or family when playing), scrabble opponent, voracious reader, jeopardy and wheel of fortune player, fisher-woman, lover of Coronation Street, put-another-potato-in-the-pot meal stretcher, extraordinary loving wife, mother, Grizzly Gran, grandmother and great-grandmother, left her earthly bonds to continue her party in heaven on Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Marion, the youngest of three siblings, was born in 1940 as the younger twin of three daughters to Peggy and Bill Waud in London, England. Growing up post-wartime, with England still being rationed, taught Marion to be wise with what little she had and to share what she could. Lessons that she instilled into each of her five children.
For those who knew her, Marion had a sharp wit and a wicked sense of humour. She loved to laugh and was known to pull the odd prank; an auction find of a God-awful, ceramic, two-foot pig found its way into the front seat of her son Andrew’s OPP cruiser on his birthday one night! Or ping pong balls tucked behind her glasses lying in wait for John to come and “wake” her up. Marion was a fun loving mother.
Ever the adventurer, fishing done wearing Sponge Bob Square Pants boxer shorts over top of your trousers helped to catch the big ones, you know. At least that’s what Matthew told her, so being a good sport, she wore them and a great time was had by all. Shore lunches along the French River with the Creek Rat, viewing the Grand Canyon with Sandra and her nephew Christopher, whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean of Canada’s east with Rhys and Gryff, exploring Windsor’s Rose Gardens with Elspeth, cottaging at the Mercer with Andrew and Valerie and lazy summers at Agnew Lake with Sandra and Rodney. Michael and Mark’s friends phoned the house when the Grizz was there, just to hear her answer the phone because of her lovely English accent.
Marion loved to spend time with her family. There was always a welcome to be had when you knocked on her door. Her family took bets as to how long someone could be in the house before she would offer a cup of tea; they believe 30 seconds was the record – it didn’t matter the season. If you arrived close to supper time, it was “add another potato to the pot.” Marion would make the meal stretch while welcoming and feeding you.
In her younger years, Marion was an avid knitter, often gifting many new mothers and babes with her beautifully crafted layette sets. As talented as she was at knitting, at baking – not so much. One year her biscuits ended up being used by Andrew and Matthew in road hockey as the pucks!
Marion enrolled in swim classes so she would be able to feel safe taking the youngest of the children to the beach. Of the “Terrified of the Water Class”, she learned to swim in her forties for John and Elspeth; that’s how much she loved her children.
Marion is survived by her husband of 60 years, Peter. He will miss their nights of Judge Judy, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and, of course, Coronation Street.
She is also survived by her twin sister, Margaret Ferrari of London, England.
Marion put her heart and soul into raising her five children: Andrew, Matthew, Sandra, John and Elspeth. Often she would combine their names when calling them or speaking to them (i.e. Jelspeth, Mattdrew and Sandrew, among the norm) but they always knew whom she meant.
Marion leaves a legacy of 21 grandchildren and five great-children, all of whom knew of her love and big heart – even if only for a small part of their lives.
Marion was a private person and didn’t want a fuss. To honour her wishes, there will be a private, family-only funeral, but done in Marion style: ABBA, Louis Armstrong’s “It’s a Wonderful World” and Psalm 121. Marion didn’t want long faces or anyone moping about; she wanted bright colours, smiles and laughter. After all, Marion is in a better place now.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Cancer research, Kidney Disease research or to the Covenant House – charities that Marion quietly and faithfully supported. Donations can be made either online or by contacting the funeral home. Her portrait and memorial are available online at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.
We love you Marion, Mum, Grizz, Grandma, Great-Grandma. She was a little lady, but a giant to all who knew and loved her. Love you forever, XOXOXO