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Marion Hillier (nee Laporte)

February 22, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Marion Hillier announces her passing on Monday, February 22, 2021 at the age of 75. She was a beloved daughter of the late Lena Marie and Kenneth LaPorte and will be lovingly remembered by her two children Scott (Jennifer) and Carrie (Todd). She was a proud Nana to Jessica, Tyler (Ashley), Samantha and Jordan, as well as a Great-Nana to Emma and Gavin. ‘Mare’ will be missed by her sisters; Sandra, Catherine, Pamela and Keni. She will be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends including Jim and Karen Osborne, Sylvia Mills in Calgary, and Jeannie CoDyre in Ontario.

Born and raised in Ontario, Marion moved west with her family in 1979 making Calgary home for most of her next 40 years. One of her fondest experiences was the 1988 Calgary Olympics where she worked inside the Olympic Village and attended almost all sporting events.

She retired February 2009 after 22 years of service at the University of Calgary, most of this time was in the Faculty of Communication Studies. She stated, “I gained a treasure chest of wonderful memories that will last me a lifetime”, not to mention some wonderful friends! She enjoyed retirement with more time to travel and visit family and was most happy sharing stories and good laughs over a delicious meal with family and friends. She opted for warmer winters moving further west to White Rock for her final three years.

Those closest to her describe Marion, Mom, Mare, Nana as……

Thoughtful, Supportive, Nurturing: “She gives the best hugs” and was “Only a phone call away.”

Loving, Compassionate, Selfless: “Gives the perfect gifts, they remind you of her…”, “Never forgets a birthday (a card and a call)”, “Always makes time for you, no matter what.”

Loyal, Protector, BRAVE, Reliable: “Great Listener (every two weeks) “, “Laughter” “Having family around grinning ear to ear listening and sharing funny stories”, “Her – Dry Sharp Wit.”

Strong, Beautiful, Proud, Unforgettable (yes the Nat King Cole kind…): “A beautiful heart”, “Full of Pride”, always your biggest fan”, “Protected me like a big brother.”

She loved to entertain and put on a beautiful meal. Oh, how she loved to cook, especially for others; Soups, Banana Bread, The best Peanut Butter Cookies, and her mouth-watering ‘Lamb’.

Our Rock, Glue, Confidant… Best Big Sister, Faithful Friend, My Mommy, My Nana, GG,

Taken from us far to early…

Your Wings Were Ready,

But Our Hearts Were Not…..

If Love could have saved you,

You would have Lived Forever……

A celebration of Marion/Mom/Nana's life will be held at a later date.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Messages of Condolence

We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. How fortunate we were to see her last summer at the lake. Such a lovely, lovely person! Her obituary is beautiful and certainly speaks volumes about who she was and how much she is loved and treasured. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. You now journey with her in a different way, but may you feel her loving presence in every memory and thought of her, for she is ever with you. With sincere sympathy and loving compassion from Warren and Regena

- Warren and Regena Cameron

Dear Carrie and Scott, Only just heard about your Mom's passing and just wanted to pass on my condolences to both of you and the rest of your family. Your mom was always very sweet and kind to our family and I was saddened to hear of her passing. Will fondly remember the loving person that she was. Take care. Stew

- Stewart Jeffery

Very sorry for your loss - We loved Marion. She touched many students and co-workers lives. I will always fondly remember her.

- Jan Crawford

We are all devastated by the loss of a dear friend. A significant loss to us all. All our love to Carrie, Todd, Scott and Jen and your families. Condolences also to her Toronto family. I know that her passing is a significant loss to you all as well.

- Karen and Jim Osborne and family

I am so sad to learn of Marion's passing. I worked with her at UofC and we stayed in touch as Facebook friends after I left. She loved her family and was so proud of her grandkids (she showed me many photos at work). She had a very sardonic wit and made me laugh many times. I hope your wonderful memories help to sustain you at this said time. Her passing will leave a big hole.

- Helen Kominek

Scott & Carrie we are sending both of your families our sincerest condolences. Your Mom was such a lovely lady. We will miss seeing her at curling or family events. She sure loved her family and spending time with them. Taken way too young.

- Rob & Brenda Nordin

I first met Marion when I was an undergrad at the University of Calgary. I went into the General Studies office to see if my professor had left my final paper in the office. He had not and so I went back every few days to check. I would just lean in the door and Marion would see me and say no. Eventually, she called me in and told me he would never bring the marked papers in. I never did get the paper back but I got so much more in return -- the chance to meet a wonderful, sweet woman who became a friend. I later worked with Marion and I remember the group dinners we used to go out for. She was a lot of fun and so kind. I will remember Marion with love. My condolences to her family.

- Christine Sopczak

Our deepest condolences to all the family. Love and hugs to all. Marion will be sadly missed in so many, many ways by so many, many people. RIP Marion

- Rick and Margo Klymchuk

I am so sad. Marion and Sylvia were the shining stars at UofC. They were kind and helpful and Marion had a special place in my heart. She was wonderful while I dealt with my mother’s health issues as I was in the middle of my MA. She has a wicked sense of humour and she never seemed to have a bad day. Your mom and grandmother was one of my best memories of UofC. My condolences.

- Shannon “Sam” Sampert

Heartbroken to hear of Marion’s passing. I met Marion and Sylvia the day I moved to Calgary almost 24 years ago — both such wonderful warm and welcoming women. Marion has been missed at U of C since the day she retired, and will now be missed by so many more. My condolences to her family.

- Dawn Johnston

Marion was such a funny person. But she was also a hard worker and very dependable. I worked with Marion at the UofC (2003 - 2006) and depended on her for many things. Marion and Sylvia were the backbone of the Graduate program. Many a student and colleague depended on them. When I moved to the USA, we kept in touch thru FB. She loved to share about her kids, grands, and then the cute twin great grands. She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the family and friends.

- Mary Bethune

This is such sad news. My deepest condolences to the family. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of C loved this funny, smart, supportive woman.

- Kathleen Scherf

My deepest condolences to the family. Marion was every coms grad student's best friend and problem solver. She watched out for all of us and was one of our biggest cheerleaders. I am forever grateful for her friendship during and after my time at UofC. May she rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing.

- Gina Grosenick

My heart is heavy and and Marion made my time at U of C so much brighter. Her kindness, lovely smile, wonderful sense of humour, and dedication to her friends and family (especially her grandmother pride) always made my heart smile. Deepest sympathies as she will be missed.

- Amanda Williams

Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. I’ll always remember meeting her for the first time. We went to go take Ashley and Ty to see Nana while we were in Calgary. I remember being in the car driving and Ashley telling me to watch how Nana looks at Ty. Ash told us Nana’s face completely lights up when she sees Ty. Ash was right. The biggest grin was sitting on Nana’s face from the second she saw Ty! Every time I saw her after that, I’d watch her look at her family and have a sparkle in her eye and smile from ear to ear. Just a small testament to how much her family meant to her. She will be missed.

- Courtney & Scott Karwandy

Sorry to hear of the passing away of Marion. I met her when I joined the Faculty of General Studies. She was a lovely person. My deepest condolences to the family.

- Aradhana Parmar

I knew Marion when I worked with the Faculty of General Studies/Faculty of Communication and Culture at the U of C. Marion gave me advice when I was buying my first home and I admired how lovely and well-tended her townhouse was. I remember the story of how she carefully measured her stairwells and doors before purchasing new furniture; when the delivery workers saw all of the stairs outside and inside her home, they refused to unload it, claiming that it wouldn't fit - Marion knew better and she gave them and the store a piece of her mind (to put it mildly). She was a sympathetic listener and she always let me know when Coke was on sale! On a number of occasions, I drove her home from Brentwood London Drugs and I probably still wouldn't know the short cut to Market Mall if I hadn't done so. Marion was a smart, capable lady and a hard worker. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

- Denise West

To Carrie & Family, I am so sorry to hear about your horrible loss. Your mom was a beautiful person! I always looked forward to our chats. She was funny, caring, interesting and a wonderful and devoted mom. She will be missed but she has honesty left a lasting impression in the hearts of the people she touched. Take care♥️♥️

- Lisa Schwartz

Marion possessed a fundamental humanity that provided reassurance to staff and students alike. A memorable woman.

- Janice Dickin

- Denise West

Marion was a lovely soul - she was wonderful to work with. I didn't work with her for very long, but I was lucky enough to be trained by her before she retired from the University. She will be greatly missed.

- Megan Freeman

Marion was wonderful lady. Every interaction with her left me with a smile, and your obituary shows how much she was cherished. The world needs more Marions...I am so very sorry for your loss.

- Charlene Elliott

It was always a pleasure to see Marion two doors down in Communication Studies. She made time to consider your problem or query and would add cheer to the day with her response. My condolences to her family and allow me to say that I miss her too.

- Lloyd Sciban

We are sad indeed to hear of Marion’s death. Each of us had the pleasure of working with her in the Faculty of Communication and Culture, and over those years, she became a valued colleague and friend. We have many fond memories of Marion. She was very good at her job, and we remember her efficiency and know-how, but also her great sense of humour, her wisdom, her kindness. She always had time to deal with whatever problem one was having at the moment, and to make the world seem like a better, brighter place, no matter what. We send heartfelt condolences to her family. Robert and Tamara Seiler

- Tamara Seiler

My time at U of C only briefly overlapped with Marion’s, but I remember her being a warm and welcoming figure in the department when I arrived. I know she was especially supportive of the many graduate students she worked with over the years, and that her kindness had a lasting impact as them. Marion was a valued member of the Communication and Culture family and I know she will be missed. On behalf of the Department, I want to express my sympathies to her family and loved ones.

- Charles Tepperman

Sorry to hear of Marion’s passing. For the short period of time I knew your mom we had some great laughs and chats. The bridge club was a nice place to meet people in the community. Marion and I walked to and from bridge lessons together and shared many stories of our past as we both came from Ontario. She spoke so highly of her friends and family. She will be greatly missed.

- Barbara Alton

Marion was a Book Club Friend of mine from the White Rock South Surrey Newcomers. Our time together discussing books and other things was short but so much fun. My sincere condolences to Marion's Family. God Bless You as you grieve your loss. Keep happy memories of Marion in your hearts forever.

- Dawn Lynn Bowness

I only knew Marion for a couple of years through Newcomers. The first time I met her it felt as if I had known her all my life. We had a lot in common, a curling family, kids living here and like myself, they were so good to her! She was a real social butterfly and would always chat with everyone, made the best macaroni and cheese! She always had her cup half full and saw the best in everyone and everything! You will be missed Marion!❤️

- Joan Harrison

I knew Marion during the years she worked with the Graduate Program at the University of Calgary. Thinking of Marion, I realize it is people like her who create our sense of place. Her persistent good humor, her unwavering and exacting efforts to get a task done, and her utterly reliable knowledge to solve a problem made the offices and hallways of our workplace more positive and welcoming. My condolences to her family.

- Brian Rusted

Devastated at the Loss of my big sister. Mare was always a pillar of strength for the family as well as the one who kept us altogether. She would always bring our Mom out for visits as well as all her sisters and have an amazing time planned for us all. When Mare was here in Toronto it was always a great time of celebration. To think that will not happen again is so very sad. Mare was always just a phone call away. Never missed a Birthday or an opportunity to bring us all together. Life is full of Loss but the loss of my sister has come to soon. I know that If tears could build a staircase And memories a lane We would all walk right up to Heaven And bring her home again My thoughts are with you all. Mare will always be remembered and Loved. Love you all

- Keni LaPorte

My deepest condolences to the entire Klymchuk family.

- Linda Karwandy

Reading through all the beautiful tributes sent her way, I can’t begin to express how proud I am to have called Marion my friend. Every word said is so true and so much more. Marion was not only the best colleague anyone could wish for but she was my rock in my personal life as well. We spent many hours laughing and chatting in restaurants, so much so that the servers would tell us we had to leave because they need to close for the night. She had a way of support that was full of kindness and thoughtful advice. She loved all of our COMS Grad students and when they brought their babies in for a visit, that was definitely the icing on her cake in her work day. Proud Marian Nana. I would say RIP my dear friend Marion, but I know you are busy baking your melt-in-the-mouth shortbread cookies to serve all the angels surrounding you. My heart goes out to her family. She left behind so many good memories and I hope you will find comfort in reflecting on those times. Marion, one day we will meet again for those long chats and you can show me around your new home. I miss you so much my friend.

- Sylvia Mills

Carrie and Scott, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful, caring, and fun person. I recall hearing stories from my parents that your mom was the only person who could babysit me. I wouldn’t go near anyone else, but your mom managed to coax shy me over to her. The relationship grew from there between our families. I have many fond memories of our family times together in Toronto and then in Cambridge when we by chance found ourselves living on the same street again! Many years later, I went to visit your mom when I was passing through Calgary on a business trip. It was great to catch up with her, and she gave me your contact info Carrie so I could meet up with you and Todd in Vancouver. It was usually many years between visits but felt like no time had passed whenever we met up. Your mom always had a way of welcoming me and making me feel like family. I know your mom held a special place in my parents’ hearts too. Thinking of you and your families. Take care. Debbie

- Debbie Schuett (nee Jeffery)

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