Obituary of Marion Helga Laing

July 14, 1922 – Bawlf, Alberta

October 9, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Marion Laing of Calgary passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the age of 101 years.

Marion was born and raised on the family farm in Bawlf, Alberta, where she completed all her primary and secondary schooling. She attended Normal School in Edmonton, graduating in 1942. Marion became an elementary teacher and was proud to have taught in one room school houses in Thirlmere and Green Grove, Alberta, where she was asked by the superintendent to pursue training in Physical Education. She taught in Hanna and then Calgary, finishing her career at Thorncliffe Elementary School where she taught Grade 6, Phys Ed and Gymnastics.

In 1944, she married Jack Beeston, an RCAF flying officer, with whom she had five children.  Marion, Jack and family enjoyed annual camping vacations in Alberta and British Columbia until Jack’s untimely death in 1971.

Marion married again in 1980 to Dr. Vardy Laing with whom she traveled the world, visiting over 100 countries. Her favourite destination was Hawaii, visiting 25 times.

A proud Norwegian, Marion enjoyed continuing many traditions such as making Rosettes, Krumkake and eating Lutefisk & Lefse every Christmas Eve. As a lifelong learner she enjoyed taking art and fitness classes. Her very active lifestyle included a love of all dance, providing her the opportunity to square dance in the 1988 Calgary Olympics’ opening ceremony. She loved all sports, and especially enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays and the Canadian Curling teams. Above all else, she loved spending time with family and entertaining friends. Her hosting was legendary.

Marion was predeceased by her parents, Olga and Gerald Sanden; her husbands, Jack Beeston, and Dr. Vardy Laing; her sister and brother-in-law, Deanie & Bob Pattison; and her beloved daughter Sandra Johnston.

Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children, John (Jann), David (Susan), Gerald, and Lorna (Warren); her grandchildren, David (Lindsay), Deron (Venessa), Aaron (Heather), Maren (Kim), and Kris (Victoria); great-granddaughter Anna; and cherished cousins and many dear friends.

No Service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marion’s honour to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com. The family wishes to thank the Doctors and staff in Unit 53 at Peter Lougheed Centre for their care and support.

“It’s my life, I’m not going to live forever.

I just want to live while I am alive.”

In living memory of Marion Laing, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.