Hers was a life filled with love, adventure, mischief, a decent measure
of graham crackers, deep love of books, family and the natural world.
Now more than a century after she was born, our beloved Marian has
passed on at the age of 102.
Her remarkable sense of spirit, boundless curiosity and joy for life
will be carried in the hearts of countless people she has touched.
Marian was generous, kind, and strong, was gifted with an encyclopedic
memory, a razor-sharp sense of humour and was a crack shot with a rifle.
She was fearless, not one to suffer fools, and was deeply, deeply loved
by those lucky enough to know her.
Her vast family tree extended through her daughter Carol Hindmarsh
(Deceased 2005) Susan (Chuck) Chan, Joan (Jackson) Mathieu, Kate Cino,
and John (Jane) Hindmarsh. She was the loving “Granny” of 14, “Mimi” to
15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson — not to mention
“Auntie Marian” to many nieces, nephews and children born to her wide
circle of friends. Her sister-in-law, Bev Ferguson, is among the many
grieving her loss.
Marian Ferguson was born in Portsmouth Ohio, on November 6, 1919, to new
parents Elizabeth and Eric Ferguson, before becoming big sister to
Francis and then brother Hank.
Marian’s pursuit of knowledge included a formal education at the
Columbus School for Girls, in Columbus Ohio. She went on to study
psychology at the University of Michigan and graduated cum laude, in
1940.
While never far from the printed page it was her deep love of wildlife
that brought her together with her husband John, who she met while
spending summers at Pointe au Baril on the shores of Georgian Bay. It
was a place they loved and would frequently return to throughout their
married life.
After celebrating their marriage in 1941, the couple moved throughout
Ontario and then to Goderich, on the shores of Lake Huron. There, John
trained pilots at the Royal Canadian Air Force base as part of his
wartime service.
In 1947, after the war, the couple decided to make Goderich their
permanent home and purchased a farm one mile south of the town on
Highway 21.
That white, two-story, clapboard house was where they raised their five
children and, after John’s death in 1995, where Marian stayed until the
age of 99.
That farmhouse was the site of many gatherings for more than 73 years,
its fields and forested trails the source of countless walks and moments
of quiet reflection.
In 2009, Marian and her family made the decision to preserve the site.
With the help of the Ontario Farmland Trust, a conservation easement was
created which guarantees that the farmland will be protected in
perpetuity.
After her own children left the nest, Marian turned her attention to the
children and families in her community, becoming a social worker for the
Huron County Children’s Aid Society in Goderich from 1967 to 1980.
Marian also spent many years providing play and art therapy to children
and volunteering with Huron Hospice, for which she was honoured with a
June Callwood Award of Distinction in 2002.
Marian was a lifelong and active member of St. George’s Anglican Church
in Goderich. Her homemade pies were legendary. She was also a charter
member of the local IODE Canada. She enjoyed theatre, book club, a
drumming circle and her Yoga practice.
While rooted in Goderich, her love of the unknown and desire to learn
meant many of her “retirement years” were spent visiting friends, family
and exploring new cultures across the world.
That taste for adventure was fostered when, at the age of seven, she
camped across the American west with her grandfather, Henry T. Bannon.
While exploring the globe was her passion, Marian was at her most
content when she was spending time with those close to her, at their
family cottage near Pointe au Baril.
Those cherished days included many quiet hours spent in her canoe,
accompanied by one of many beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels,
traversing channels that would become as familiar to her as the hands
holding the paddle.
Morning and afternoon swims, no matter what the weather, carried on
until the age of 98.
Fiercely independent, Marian lived alone for more than two decades at
the family farm, lugging wood from the cellar to keep limber, monitoring
local wildlife with the eyes of hawk and revelling in each sunset.
Those years were filled with tranquility and joy and made possible
through the support of her many family members, friends and the care and
attention she received in Goderich from both Dr. Stan Spacek and Dr. Jim
Hollingworth.
Marian’s family wants to extend their thanks and gratitude to the
dedicated professionals at The Elliott Community, in Guelph, where she
received exceptional care during the last years of her life.
A special thankyou to Adele, Marian’s support worker. Adele not only
cared for Marian but supported her family with a gentle and fun-loving
spirit.
As per Marian’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private service
will be held at a later date. For those who wish to remember Marian
through a donation, please consider, The Elliott Community, in Guelph,
specifically “Staff Appreciation Fund”, the John Hindmarsh Environmental
Trust Fund, or a charity of your choice.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Michelle Gaynor
I was one of the very fortunate children in the care of the Children’s Aid Society to be assigned Marian as my social worker. Marian saved my life and I will be forever grateful.
Cindy Fisher
My sincere sympathy to the Hindmarsh family. I so enjoyed working with Marian at Family and Children’s Services. She was a wonderful lady and lived a good full life.
Sincerely Betty Fisher
Margaret Cook
Marian was a remarkable lady, always kind and caring, very empathetic and supportive of others. Her personality served her well at children’s aid, hospice and any other endeavors that she took on. She was quiet and introspective, and her smile could light up a room. When she talked with you, you felt she was totally focused on you. Her respect for people, animals and the environment were constants throughout her life. Rest in peace Marian.
Jeannette Ryan
To Sue and the Hindmarsh family, my sincere condolences. Marian was such a wonderful lady, so very kind, sincere and compassionate and had such a great smile when she greeted you. I will always remember her. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jeannette Ryan
Jan Pryde
It was an honor an a privilege to be included in Mrs. Hindmarsh’s circle. She was a dynamo who through her love of humanity and nature made the world a better place. Eleanor Roosevelt has a great quote “Happiness is not a goal….it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” When I think of Mrs. Hindmarsh, it was her positive disposition, curiosity and vigor that I recall and I think this quote is especially fitting….she did have a life well lived and she was certainly well loved.
Toni Schaefer
I so enjoyed Marian in bookclub, and in my gatherings at Susan and
Chuck’s.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Susan and Chuck. I hope your good
Memories will give your hearts peace and healing
Toni
Willy Van Klooster
On behalf of the board, staff, volunteers and especially those children and families touched by Marian while she volunteered with Huron Hospice, we express our condolences to the family. It was the least we could do to nominate Marian for the June Callwood Award of Distinction which she was awarded in 2002.
Joanne Graf
My sincere condolences to the Hindmarsh family. What a lovely LADY Marian was. I worked with Marian in the early 80’s at Children’s Aid in Goderich and spoke with her a few times at Harbor Hill when my mom was there. She will be missed by many.
Joanne McCosh Graf
Robyn Ross
I was very fortunate to know Marian. She helped me by letting me stay in one of the cabins on Blacks Point Rd, when I was between houses. She didn’t know me but heard I needed a place to stay for a short while.
Marian was very kind and caring towards me. I was very grateful.
Floyd & Liz Herman
Our sincere condolences to your family. Marian was a magnificent lady of class and kindness, who could make anyone and everyone feel right at home. Treasure your memories and love to all.
Jim and Patricia Martin
Although we did not know Marion, we learned of her kindness and compassionate nature over the years. We enjoyed reading Marion’s life history. Please accept our condolences at this sad time in your lives.
Marianne Doak
Susan and Family
It was sad to hear of the passing of your mother. She was just a terrific person. I enjoyed speaking and helping her whenever she came into Home Hardware. Our little joke was always that our names were so similar when we greeted each other. She has touched many lives including mine and I will miss her but always have fond memories of the person
she was and the smile that always greeted everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dr. Chan and all of your family. Marianne
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to Marion’s family. She was always a gracious lady to be around.
Jim & Mona Mulhern
Sharon Baltzer
John and Jane and family you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Enjoyed her happy disposition when she came into the shop many, many moons ago.🙏
Cecelia Denomme
Dear family – Marian’s love for you will always be in your hearts. She was a beautiful example – to all – whose lives she touched. With fond remembrances and sympathy.
Cecelia and Don Denomme
Raye and Dianne Armstrong
Our sincere sympathy to Marion’s family. She certainly enjoyed a life well lived. Your memories will stay in your hearts forever.
Cathy Stoddart
Marion would sit and talk to palliative pts. at the hospital always so kind to them. She would come out to nursing desk and also speak with the nurses making sure we where also ok . She new how difficult it is to nurse the sick. I always looked forward to her talks. Heaven has gain a beautiful angel. Sincere sympathy to the family.
Nancy Ellwood White
I have many memories of the farm where I often went with the Davidson family. Marion was a beautiful soul and in 1967 delivered to our door our dear daughter and 3 years later our son. We will remember her for her kindness. My sincere sympathy to all of her family
Irene Gordon
Marion was a true friend. I met Marion when John and I came to Goderich and joined St. George’s Anglican Church. She was always a strong supporter of St. George’s ACW and for years contributed to our baking table when we hosted the Holly Berry Bazaar’s.
Marion was also one of the first individuals to join my fitness group when it was held in the Parish Hall, and continued her participation when the fitness program subsequently moved to the MacKay Centre.
She was a special lady and so very much respected.