Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Marion Roseleen MacNeil, at her home, in Kelowna, BC on November 22, 2024.

Marion was born on March 8, 1942 at Matsqui, BC to Cornelius and Anna Giesbrecht. She was predeceased by her parents, her former spouse Michael, her brother Theodore Giesbrecht (Lil) and sisters Lillian Smillie (Matthew) and Leonora Burden (Orville). She is survived by her sisters Josie Smith (Len - deceased) and Beatrice Friesen (Henry) and numerous nephews and nieces and great-nephews and great-nieces, many of whom with which she had close relationships.

Marion grew up in Abbotsford on the family farm and later lived in Vancouver, Edmonton and Surrey, before moving to Kelowna in 1980. Early in her career, she worked for BMO, and then in 1966, for Royal Trust in Vancouver - first in financial services then income tax. After a while, she found income tax too boring and started her studies for Trust Officer, completing the courses 2-1/2 years later. In 1980, she started at Royal Trust in Kelowna, and during her tenure there, worked as a Senior Trust Officer until she took early retirement in the fall of 1999.

Marion did a lot of travelling in her lifetime to destinations around the globe including to Kiwanis International conventions in various locales.

She was so very fortunate to survive breast cancer twice; first in 1979 and secondly in 2023.

Marion was a founding member (and one of the first female members) of Kiwanis Club Kelowna Summit (now known as Kelowna Central Okanagan) from 1988 until her death. During that time, she held various executive positions and was treasurer at the time of her passing. She was also involved for about 30 years in Kiwanis Music Festival. Every spring, she would volunteer with the Piano Discipline of the festival.

Marion volunteered with Bridge Youth & Family Services since 2000. At noon, parents would come with children aged 0-6 years to the Bridge facility and partake in parenting courses while volunteers looked after the children. The first time Marion held one of the babies for an hour, she was hooked, and continued to do so for over 20 years. Also over the years, she has knit more than two dozen baby blankets for the "special delivery" program for the new babies at the Bridge.

She will be missed by many. Her remains will be cremated and interred with those of her parents in Abbotsford. A celebration of life will be held in Kelowna in the spring. In lieu of any flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna 250-762-2299

• Dec 01, 2024
  I met Marian through Stardust theatre and continued volunteering with her and her Kiwanis Club members on the Okanagan Zone Creative problem solving programs. She also devoted many hours to the Kiwanis Music every year. We will miss her enthusiasm and devotion to the youth programs in Kelowna. - Don and Jane Rampone
• Nov 30, 2024
  I'm sorry to hear of Marion's passing. I first met her at Royal Trust. Our paths crossed again when she was treasurer for Stardust Theatre. I'd see her occasionally after that at the Kiwanis Festival. It was always a pleasure to see and talk to her. My condolences to her family. - Ann Ganser
• Nov 27, 2024
  I feel so lucky and blessed to have known Marion for many years through Kiwanis and The Bridge. She was an amazing support for many in our community. Her dedication to Kiwanis and children and families amounted to thousands of hours of volunteering. Marion will be missed by me ? RIP to a wonderful person. Condolences to her family - she spoke of you often with so much love. - Michele Hopkins

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