Obituary of Marion Rosalind Burrus

May 6, 1933 - Dauphin, Manitoba

September 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Marion R. Burrus passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, September 18, 2023 in Calgary, AB at the age of 90 years.

Born to A. Marshall and Clara Barton (nee Lee) Neal in Dauphin, MB, she grew up in Calgary, AB along with her sister Robina Hood (nee Neal) and brother Geroge Neal.

Family was the most important part of Marion’s life, and she was unsurpassed at continually striving to keep the family close, and together. Marion was predeceased by her parents and sister Robina. She leaves to mourn her loving brother Geroge Neal, her children and stepchildren, Glenn Burrus, Robert Burrus, Catherine Burrus, Jacqueline (Brian) Vasseur, Anne Marie Burrus, Vicky Burrus, and Lyn (Benson) Malto; as well as nine grandchildren, Matthew, Rebekah, Joshua, Daniel, Kyle, Michael, Gillian, Reid, and Josie; and five great-grandchildren, Kohen, Keira, Kendrie, Wallace, and Grace.

Marion attended the University of Alberta where she attained a BSc in Dietetics. She played on the UofA volleyball team and was a Kappa Alpha Theta member. As a young Registered Dietician R.D., she worked at The Vancouver General Hospital for a few years before returning to Calgary. Marion was a dietician at the Calgary General Hospital and a social worker/dietician at all three auxiliary hospitals. Later she supervised all high school cafeterias and removed “junk food” from the menus with the Calgary Board of Education. She was a board member for Meals on Wheels, Calgary Women’s Canadian Club, and she was the first female member in an all-men’s membership club, paving the way for the inclusion of women.

Marion was also a successful businesswoman and realtor, but her most cherished accomplishment was her family. Marion was a single mother and a caretaker to all her family, her siblings, and her father while being a ‘mom’ and blending a family, creating postcard-perfect Sunday and holiday meals, building a cohesive family, and demonstrating her strength, grace, and kindness. Marion led her life with integrity and poise. Anything Marion took on she gave 110%. She had a thoughtful, brilliant mind. She was gracious and exuded style and elegance but was also self-aware and humble. Marion loved her friends and family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them at the cabin, which was her peaceful place.

Marion was a very accomplished pianist and that led to her deep appreciation for all musical genres. She was involved with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and The Esther Honens International Piano Competitions where she regularly volunteered and supported. She instilled her love of music in her family her entire life. Along with her music, Marion loved family gatherings where she displayed her extraordinary culinary talents. Marion always had an extra place setting for friends and family. She was an exceptional cook. She was involved in and assisted with a published book “Among Friends” in 1987. Marion enjoyed time with her family, theatre, opera, ballet, book club, reading, badminton, skiing, and bridge. Her life was full of love and empathy.

The loss of Marion leaves a void that cannot be filled, and she will be dearly missed. Marion’s influence, through her unparalleled love for her family, her character, strength, morals, and honour, leaves the world a better place. She was an inspiration and guiding force for all those who knew and loved her.

Friends and family are invited to Celebrate the Life of Marion R. Burrus at a Memorial Gathering at the Grace Presbyterian Church (1009 – 15th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Marion’s family here.

In living memory of Marion Burrus, 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.