Obituary of Marion Olga McKenzie

April 10, 1923 - Honeymoon, Saskatchewan

April 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Marion Olga McKenzie of Calgary, AB, passed away quietly on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the age of 100 years.

She was born in Honeymoon, a small village just outside of Prince Albert, SK, but now, no more. She was proud of the fact that her early education took place in a one room school and how the older kids helped the younger kids and how everyone tried to do their best. Marion loved to debate anybody on anything, and this no doubt helped her in later life as the wife of a Member of Parliament. It was in this school that she learned how to debate. By grade 6 they were already holding regular debates at the local community hall where parents could come and watch. Another thing she liked to do was sing and the whole family was very musically inclined. As a young woman she played the violin and sang in a group called the Alberta Buckaroos along with two of her brothers and two friends who added guitars, banjo, and other vocals. They were good enough to have a weekly show on a Prince Albert radio station.

But Marion’s favourite pastime was talking with people. As the wife of a politician, she had plenty of opportunity to travel and meet new people as well as host many house parties and various political gatherings. She loved people and they loved her.

Marion is survived by her daughter Karen Kostynyk who lives in Ontario and her son John Wilkinson who is a resident of Calgary. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Amanda Kennard and Rob Kostynyk; and four great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Daniel, Amy, and Russell.

Marion was predeceased by her husband Dan McKenzie, and her siblings, Rose, John, Joe, Fred, Irene, Steffie, Paul, Tony and Walter.

It is with tremendous gratitude that the family wishes to thank the Palliative Homecare nurses and doctors at Alberta Health Services for their professionalism and ability to quickly respond to, and solve, a variety of medical and bureaucratic issues. We also wish to thank the nurses and caregivers at Auburn Heights Retirement Residence for the excellent care they provided to Marion as well as her family physician Dr. Michelle Zeng at the Vineyard Medical Clinic Seton.

A Celebration of Marion’s Life  will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, Elboya Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the same location. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Marion McKenzie, 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.