Marion Morse (Ellis) Smith

SMITH, Marion Morse Ellis Anderson - March 2, 1925 - June 20, 2014 Marion Smith has died, peacefully, in the company of a dear friend. She lived to sing, and was still singing in her church choir just weeks before the end of her life. She was born in Woodstock, ON, to Frank Eaton Ellis and Mary Myrtle Ellis. Her brother Ormiston, of Orlando, FL, predeceased her by several years. She married Dr. Alvin J. Anderson in 1952; they divorced in the early 1960's. In 1957 she gave birth to Mary Evelyn Anderson. Marion fulfilled her dream of becoming a librarian at Woodstock General Hospital's School of Nursing (later Fanshawe College) in the early 1960's. Later, she learned that the job would soon require a Master of Library Science degree; her graduation in 1971 was a proud day for the whole family. Marion married Frank David Smith in 1975, and included Frank's son Robert and daughter Laura in their family. Marion retired at 60 and sang, volunteered with Telecare, attended Learning Unlimited, and travelled extensively with Frank. Their strong marriage and shared faith brought her quiet contentment and security throughout thirty-eight years. She attended Knox Presbyterian Church, Central United, and finally Bethany Lutheran, where she and Frank were welcomed with open arms. Frank died in March, 2013. Marion was unfailingly joyful, humming or singing as she went about her day. She participated in thirteen choirs throughout her eighty-nine years, including the Earle Terry Singers. She began as the soloist at Central United in the early 60s, and sang there for 52 years. Marion was a well-loved soloist for meetings and weddings, and was a charter member of the Fanshawe Singers. Her choir colleagues have praised her "truly wonderful, high, clear soprano and later, rich contralto singing voice"; her "talent, twinkle, and sense of humour"; and her "legacy of joy and happiness." Marion is survived by her daughter, Mary-ev Anderson, of Vancouver; stepdaughter Laura Vilness of Tompkins, SK, her husband Brad and sons Bryn and Brendan; stepson Robert Smith, of Woodstock and his wife Brenda; and Frank's brother and sister-in-law, Lorne and Carol Smith, of Markham, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations to Operation Sharing, 22 Wilson St., Woodstock, ON N4S 3N4 are welcome. (Operation Sharing serves the impoverished of Oxford County.) Condolences and memories may be posted at www.brockandvisser.com. Cards and letters may be directed to the Brock & Visser Funeral Home, Re: Marion Smith, 845 Devonshire Avenue, Woodstock, ON, N4S 8Z4. A memorial service led by Rev. Marg Murray will be held at Brock & Visser on Friday, July 25th, at 1:30 pm.

Service Details

Friday, July 25th, 2014 1:30pm, Brock & Visser Funeral Home