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January 2, 1927–February 16, 2016

Marion passed away in her sleep, February 16 at Campbell River Hospital after a lengthy struggle with COPD. She had been surrounded by family and friends sharing in her love, good humour and cheekiness right up to her peaceful departure.

Marion was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan on January 2, 1927 to Albert and Marguerite Holtz (Marion). She was the town’s New Year’s baby and the older sister to two brothers, Elvin and Allan. She trained as a Psychiatric Nurse at Weyburn Mental Hospital, marrying Norman Hemphill there and raising a family of six as they moved across the prairies to the west coast. Marion was blessed with a boundless love for all children and a favourite of nephews, nieces, and neighborhood children wherever she lived. To her grandchildren and all young people who came to know her she was “Granny” - full of kindness and wisdom and always supportive. While free time is a rarity with large families, Marion enjoyed her participation in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #3097, and cherished worshiping at the Salvation Army Church.

Marion was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Marguerite Holtz, and by her brother, Allan Holtz, Union Bay.

She is survived by her brother Elvin (Colleen) Holtz, Red Deer, Alberta; and her children: Larry (Nit) Hemphill, Thailand; Harry Hemphill, Campbell River; Robert (Colleen) Hemphill, Port Hardy; Richard (Norma) Hemphill, Port Hardy; Kathi (Chris) Camilleri, Campbell River; and Arlana (Dwayne) Christensen, Campbell River. Her grandchildren are Becky, Scott, Shawn, Jessie, Lucy, Ritchie, Norman, Aaron, Colten, Landon, Alyssa and Dylan. Her great -grandchildren are Shae, Cambria, Isabella, Ethen, Nevaeh, Sarah, Orion, and Austin.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Campbell River Hospital for the kindness and care given our mother in her prolonged stay, and for putting up with a steady flow of visitors to her bedside. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Marion’s name to the Salvation Army Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 2pm, at Salvation Army Church, 291 McLean Street, Campbell River.



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