Marion Pauline (Roberts) Dyer

DYER, Marion Pauline (nee Roberts) - On Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in her 94th year, Marion Pauline Roberts, wife of the late William Gordon Dyer (1993). Predeceased by her parents Judson Carman Roberts and Agnes Mattie Magill, sister Marjorie and brother William. She was the proud mother of Garry (1971), Carman (Perlita), Allan (Linda Reith), and Hugh (Beth Gordon). Guiding grandmother of Dustin (Brieanne Cloutier), Daryn (Mari), James, Colin (Krystah Paroschy), Sheila, Emily and John and the happy great grandmother of Charlotte and Alenna. She was born near Salford on November 14, 1916 where she attended elementary school and continuation school at Mount Elgin. She graduated from Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute in 1934 with the highest marks in Oxford County, an achievement that awarded her a full scholarship to UWO for 2 years, after which she attended and graduated from the London Normal School for teachers. She accepted her first teaching job in 1939 at S.S. #2 East Zorra Township where she met and married Gordon. After a 35 year hiatus, she completed her BA in English in 1969. She achieved her Specialist in Teacher Librarianship at UWO. She was a leader as the teacher librarian at Zorra Highland Park School and then went on to work as an itinerant librarian teacher around Oxford County. She taught for 20 years and retired in 1980. She traveled to all corners of the world with her best friend Gordon after her retirement. She was always active in community affairs, starting with the Community Club, the Tenth Line Women and the Farm Forum. She always played an active leadership role. After retirement, she was involved in the University Women's Club and the Saturday Book Club. Marion and Gordon both volunteered for Meals on wheels. She was honoured for her role in the VON Volunteer Visiting Program. One of her proudest accomplishments was as a founding member of the Woodstock Learning Unlimited for seniors, which provides educational opportunities for seniors. It grew to several hundred members and she was honoured by the Province of Ontario in 2006 as a 25 year organizing member. She was a member of Central United Church for 70 years, active in the UCW Women and organizing the archives of the church. Next year the Woodstock General Hospital will honour her generosity by naming an education conference room in her name. For the last four years she has enjoyed hosting family and friends at Park Place Retirement Home. One of her great strengths was the relationship that she had with family and friends and they all returned her warmth with frequent visits. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, January 1, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Longworth Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock (519-539-0004) with visitation one hour before the memorial service. Cremation has taken place. Donations in her name, in lieu of flowers would be welcomed in honour of The Marion Pauline Dyer Education Conference Room, payable to The Woodstock General Hospital Foundation, 270 Riddell Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 6N6 (519-421-4226). Private interment by the family will be on Mothers Day. Online condolences at www.longworthfuneralhome.com

Service Details

Friday, January 1st, 2010 11:00am, Longworth Funeral Home

Interment Details

Presbyterian Cemetery