Obituary of Jean Marion Seabrook

JEAN MARION SEABROOK Sept.1, 1929 to November 16, 2014 Marion was born on Treasure Island in Mindemoya, Ontario to Joe and Jean Hodgson. The lake, so happy about her arrival, did not let the doctor return to the mainland for three whole days! Happiness, hard work and hospitality filled her childhood, shared with two sisters, Lorene and Joanne. She was the family storyteller. Marion shared happiness with limitless generosity to family, friends and strangers at the door! Marion married her true love Jack Seabrook on October 10th, 1953, and they knew joy for over 50 years together. They never had one fight! As their children, we grew up with magical Christmases, huge family dinners, games, and sing songs. She supported our dreams and encouraged us to be ourselves! Dearest Mom to Cathy, Debra, John and Cheryl, Diana, Mark and Michelle, and Vanda and Mikko. Grandmother extraordinaire of Brent and Danielle, Brady and Emily, Logan and Emily, Meg and Matt, Kate and Tony, Sarah and Catherine, Jenny and Jay, Ben and Rosalyn, Phillip, A.J., Joshuabaa and Lyric, Morgan and Jasmine, and Jessica. Treasured Great Grandmother of Tiegan, Noah, Darcy, Jo, Alyx, Jack, RubyJane and James. Best ever sister to Joanne and husband Jim. Precious friend to Penny. She had many special nieces, nephews, relatives, students and dear friends. Marion is known for many accomplishments, none of which she would mention here if she were the writer! She graduated from the University of Toronto and the Institute of Child Study, before beginning work at Sick Kids Hospital. She was an amazing teacher, inspiring everyone who sat in front of her. Marion created the first Nursery School in Mindemoya. As Department Head of English at M.S.S., she recognized everyone's writing, and you should know, she would still recognize yours! She also co-directed many delightful musicals over those 30 school years. Marion developed the first Native Studies Curriculum in Ontario, opening the door for sharing First Nations' culture in an educational setting. She was honoured to receive a sacred Eagle Feather. Upon retiring from teaching she began Hawberry Habit, with her sister Joanne and dearest friend Peggy. She authored two wonderful books, Once Upon An Island and Touched by An Island, and performed them as plays. Marion wrote many charming stories and poems and was our ancestry aficionado! She co-created the Manitoulin Game, Back in the Day. Marion initiated the Christmas Children's Shopping Day in the Mindemoya United Church, which was especially dear to her. It was a surprise to her when she received the Citizen of the Year award and the Queen's Jubilee Medal. She loved so many things … making porcelain dolls, quilting, fundraising, knitting, baking pies for church, cakes for Euchre and apple dumplings for us, teaching Sunday School, adventuresome trips with family and students, playing Rook, Bridge, Euchre and 3-13. Most of all, she loved making everyone happy! Her gracious heart and home welcomed all. As her family we have been privileged beyond words. As her friends you know what we mean! If Mom could write this for us (and we wish she had) she might simply say about herself - I have lived an enchanted life. Friends may call at the Mindemoya United Church after 6 p.m. on Friday November 21st. The funeral service will be held there on Saturday, November 22 at 11 a.m. If so desired, donations may be made to the Mindemoya United Church, the Mindemoya Hospital, towards a bursary at M.S.S., or donate a toy to the Christmas Toy Drive.