Obituary of Marion Agnes Keating

Marion Agnes Keating  passed away in her daughter’s arms in the comfort of their home at the age of  90years, just 17 days shy of her 91st birthday in the early morning hours amidst the beautiful BC mountain scenery she loved so much.  It brings us joy to report she went out on her own terms: she got to check all the boxes-not under duress, she never spent a day in a nursing home, yes she passed away at home, with family, and most importantly not at night—yep the lights were on!! 

 

Marion was one of the strongest women to grace this earth.  As a mother she was beyond compare.  She was a kind and loving care giver from the age of 12 when her own mother Alice Irene Ferguson (Whittle) passed away due to cancer.  Mom cared for her younger brothers, Harvey, Eldon, Hugh and Jim (2 yrs of age) until she married the love of her life Reg Keating at age 18.  Reg & Marion grew up together in Guelph Ontario and began their own family soon after marrying, eventually they ventured out West and settled in Kelowna BC for years until retirement when they made the move to Calgary AB.   Mom was a wonderful wife and was everyone’s best cheer leader, she was still being supportive to her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren in her final days.  She lived to share in those young one’s lives.  She felt very blessed to be visited by those close by so often.  She proudly spoke of how smart they all were.   She truly appreciated last Summer’s visits & cards celebrating her 90 years held at the BC home she loved to be a part of—and was surprised to be so honoured.  

 

Mom was a very creative lady and an accomplished home maker.  Really she did it all, and all self-taught.  An amazing cook who thought nothing of having 20 for dinner, she loved to host family get togethers.  She baked and lovingly decorated beautiful cakes for her grandkids.  She learned to sew, and cook as a result of survival while caretaking for her younger brothers.  We all benefitted later in life from those skills.   She gifted many people with her handmade crafts.   Her great grandchildren will forever enjoy her talents put toward the outdoor critter cottage toys she helped create.  We were a lucky crew.  She often complimented complete strangers she came across while out shopping; yes shopping was an adored activity, or should we say obsession!  She adored it and shared her joy with others by compliments and the gifts she randomly bought her family members.  Marion was indeed a kind and giving person who always tried to help others.  Many people she crossed paths with while out shopping went home a little happier due to her sweet compliments.   She often told me,  “it only took me a second and if it helps make their day brighter I’m happy to do it” she was an earth angel in every sense of the word.  No wonder Dad was so proud of her.

 

Marion enjoyed watching her grand kids school & sporting events, she loved telling jokes, often to the chagrin of her adult kids.  She could hold her own in an argument, she didn't hold back much actually, sometimes at the angst of her kids.  She enjoyed all life offered, camping, fishing, loved to play cards, especially euchre.  She loved country music, liked to travel (especially to Vegas), yet also enjoyed wilderness.  She has some very fond memories while out in their trailer or camper enjoying the beautiful mountains and lakes.   Mostly though she just loved to see joy on others and was often the source of that joy.  Above all she loved spending time with young children, and hearing their laughter. 

 

Marion delighted in her children’s accomplishments she was the quintessential cheerleader, not only to her own 4 children but also to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She proudly and lovingly spoke of each one of them.  

 

Marion will be dearly missed by her adored little doggies: Meemee & especially Ginger, also her surviving children Larry (Wendy) Keating, Paul (Heather) Keating, and Cindy (Wayne) McRae; grandchildren Larry (Rachelle) Keating, Darryl (Katy) Keating, Kyle Keating (Holly), Damen Keating, Darice Keating (Julian), Tamiko Keating (Jake), Naomi Keating, Curtis (Angie), Tiffany, Ashley (Pepe) and Carter McRae.  Great Gramma to Logan, Lydia, Landon, Hayden, Josh and Addison, Abel, Naevia, Indio, as well as Kenzi, Peyton, Kruze, and Aria.  Marion will be remembered lovingly by friends and extended family members especially Mike Keating and family, Kim Petrusev, and numerous Ontario pals.

 

Marion was predeceased after 63 years of marriage by her one and only true love, husband Reg Keating Sr whom she missed every minute of every day since his passing.  Also by her son Reg Keating Jr, her mother Alice Irene Ferguson, her father (SW) Sam Ferguson, her loving mother-in-law Idell, her brothers: Harvey, Eldon & Hugh Ferguson & by two great-grandchildren Ava & Austin.  She’ll now joyfully be reunited with all predeceased family and friends. May she rest in peace—she earned it.

Marion Agnes Keating  passed away in her daughter’s arms in the comfort of their home at the age of  90years, just 17 days shy of her 91st birthday in the early morning hours amidst the beautiful BC mountain scenery she loved so much.  It brings us joy to report she went out on her own terms: she got to check all the boxes-not under duress, she never spent a day in a nursing home, yes she passed away at home, with family, and most importantly not at night—yep the lights were on!! 

 

Marion was one of the strongest women to grace this earth.  As a mother she was beyond compare.  She was a kind and loving care giver from the age of 12 when her own mother Alice Irene Ferguson (Whittle) passed away due to cancer.  Mom cared for her younger brothers, Harvey, Eldon, Hugh and Jim (2 yrs of age) until she married the love of her life Reg Keating at age 18.  Reg & Marion grew up together in Guelph Ontario and began their own family soon after marrying, eventually they ventured out West and settled in Kelowna BC for years until retirement when they made the move to Calgary AB.   Mom was a wonderful wife and was everyone’s best cheer leader, she was still being supportive to her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren in her final days.  She lived to share in those young one’s lives.  She felt very blessed to be visited by those close by so often.  She proudly spoke of how smart they all were.   She truly appreciated last Summer’s visits & cards celebrating her 90 years held at the BC home she loved to be a part of—and was surprised to be so honoured.  

 

Mom was a very creative lady and an accomplished home maker.  Really she did it all, and all self-taught.  An amazing cook who thought nothing of having 20 for dinner, she loved to host family get togethers.  She baked and lovingly decorated beautiful cakes for her grandkids.  She learned to sew, and cook as a result of survival while caretaking for her younger brothers.  We all benefitted later in life from those skills.   She gifted many people with her handmade crafts.   Her great grandchildren will forever enjoy her talents put toward the outdoor critter cottage toys she helped create.  We were a lucky crew.  She often complimented complete strangers she came across while out shopping; yes shopping was an adored activity, or should we say obsession!  She adored it and shared her joy with others by compliments and the gifts she randomly bought her family members.  Marion was indeed a kind and giving person who always tried to help others.  Many people she crossed paths with while out shopping went home a little happier due to her sweet compliments.   She often told me,  “it only took me a second and if it helps make their day brighter I’m happy to do it” she was an earth angel in every sense of the word.  No wonder Dad was so proud of her.

 

Marion enjoyed watching her grand kids school & sporting events, she loved telling jokes, often to the chagrin of her adult kids.  She could hold her own in an argument, she didn't hold back much actually, sometimes at the angst of her kids.  She enjoyed all life offered, camping, fishing, loved to play cards, especially euchre.  She loved country music, liked to travel (especially to Vegas), yet also enjoyed wilderness.  She has some very fond memories while out in their trailer or camper enjoying the beautiful mountains and lakes.   Mostly though she just loved to see joy on others and was often the source of that joy.  Above all she loved spending time with young children, and hearing their laughter. 

 

Marion delighted in her children’s accomplishments she was the quintessential cheerleader, not only to her own 4 children but also to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She proudly and lovingly spoke of each one of them.  

 

Marion will be dearly missed by her adored little doggies: Meemee & especially Ginger, also her surviving children Larry (Wendy) Keating, Paul (Heather) Keating, and Cindy (Wayne) McRae; grandchildren Larry (Rachelle) Keating, Darryl (Katy) Keating, Kyle Keating (Holly), Damen Keating, Darice Keating (Julian), Tamiko Keating (Jake), Naomi Keating, Curtis (Angie), Tiffany, Ashley (Pepe) and Carter McRae.  Great Gramma to Logan, Lydia, Landon, Hayden, Josh and Addison, Abel, Naevia, Indio, as well as Kenzi, Peyton, Kruze, and Aria.  Marion will be remembered lovingly by friends and extended family members especially Mike Keating and family, Kim Petrusev, and numerous Ontario pals.

 

Marion was predeceased after 63 years of marriage by her one and only true love, husband Reg Keating Sr whom she missed every minute of every day since his passing.  Also by her son Reg Keating Jr, her mother Alice Irene Ferguson, her father (SW) Sam Ferguson, her loving mother-in-law Idell, her brothers: Harvey, Eldon & Hugh Ferguson & by two great-grandchildren Ava & Austin.  She’ll now joyfully be reunited with all predeceased family and friends. May she rest in peace—she earned it.

 

There will be no service at this time cremation has taken place. 

 

 

The stairway to heaven is so much brighter now

(written August 10, 2023 for Momma.  Author Cindy McRae)

I ask the heavenly angels as they welcome you up there

To gently take your precious hand & lift you up each stair.

I ask they wrap your loving arms within our Dear Lord’s care

And cushion you with softness – so no burden shall you bear.

 

I ask –

Quickly they bestow to you those heavenly angel wings,

you long outwore your earthly ones doing kindly things.

Bestow upon my loved one’s head a golden halo ring

Their goodness was ever present doing simply daily things.

 

The pearly gates, the glitter & gold, and so much more you’re owed.

Eternal peace, and of course a special seat – to you I pray bestow.

Your heart of gold blessed others, that’s all you’ve ever known,

may you now be forever gifted the same loving care you showed.

 

No longer will you yearn for loved ones gone before

as all are back together when you walk out great earth’s door.

It must feel safe and comforting, a great ease I’d bet to say

Knowing together in heaven forever now you’ll always stay.

 

I envision glitter and sparkle like no earthling could behold

And only those called by our Lord see such rays of gold.

I wonder are the heavenly clouds like diamonds glistening in the snow,

or are they all bold and colourful like rainbows – oh I wish to know.

 

My heart aches with forever – its such a heavy pain right here

I feel a whole lot broken now that you’re no longer near.

But leaving here and going there – I will no longer fear

For my own angel will be awaiting me, and that is you, my dear.

 

I will miss you and your love forever Mom.

 Luv, Cindy.