Obituary of Marion Thompson HARKNESS (nee Hall)

March 2, 1934 – Vegreville, Alberta
February 9, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Marion Harkness of Calgary, AB, passed away on February 9, 2021, at the age of 86 years.

Marion was born in Vegreville, AB, on March 2, 1934. She went to school in Calgary and graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc degree in Home Economics. Marion was particularly proud that she maintained enduring connections with friends from elementary school, high school and University. Marion will be most remembered for her enthusiastic and feisty enjoyment of social activities. She hosted traditional family get-togethers for Sunday dinners and Christmas festivities. Marion volunteered and organized for many groups including her women’s golf league. Marion was a long-time member of the women’s friendship sorority Beta Sigma Phi. She was proud to have participated in the Famous Five sculpture project. In her seventies she joined a senior’s yoga class, helping orient and register new members. She volunteered at the Alberta Children’s Hospital gift shop. Curling, lawn bowling and bridge kept her busy and fueled her social connections. Marion enjoyed regular golf vacations with friends at sunny locations and would travel each year on an ambitious vacation tour. She purchased a beautiful hat in order to accept an unexpected invitation to see the Queen at Buckingham Palace. She loved the arts and enjoyed season subscriptions with friends to theatre and orchestra. As a single mother in the 1960s and 1970s, Marion worked hard to support her family. She had a long career designing beautiful kitchens at Denca Cabinets and other local manufacturers.

Marion is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Doug Harkness and Paula Fayerman of Calgary; her daughter and son-in-law Jan Harkness and Rob Samek; and grandchildren, Gabrielle, Julian and Cameron Samek of Toronto, ON. Marion is also survived by her brother Bob “R.T.” Hall and sister-in-law Yolande of Calgary; her brother-in-law Glen Edwards of Calgary, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Marion’s dear friend Allan Unrau of Calgary also survives her. Marion was predeceased by her parents, Bruce and Gladys Hall; and by her beloved sister Jane Edwards of Calgary.

A Private Funeral Service will be held, on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here. Donations in memory of Marion can be sent to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: 403-955-8818. www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

In living memory of Marion Harkness, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.