Died peacefully on a beautiful morning at Mariposa House Hospice on Saturday, July 22, 2023, in her 88th year. Marcia, beloved wife of Murray Keith (predeceased), loving mother of Marta LaForest (Chris), Purple Valley, Myra Stephen (Jim Blake), Toronto/Haliburton and Merrill Stephen, Beaverton. Proud grandmother of Ruby and Stephen (Katey and Blayke), Blue and Nate. Youngest of the three “Dick girls”, Marcia missed her sisters, Janice (Ross) and Carol (Jack) (both predeceased). She was welcomed as part of the Stephen family, loved by Murray’s siblings Carol (David) and Peter (Karen) including predeceased siblings Doug, (Margaret), Sheila (Ken), Judith and Beryl. Marcia will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews.
Marcia was born and raised in Orillia. After attending the University of Guelph, where she met Murray, and teaching in Galt and Guelph, she returned to live in Orillia with Murray and their young family. At university she made lifelong friends in “Mac ‘57”, staying in close touch for over six decades with annual reunions on Lake Couchiching. Marcia taught family studies at Park Street Collegiate in Orillia, making a difference in the lives of many students and staff. She was proud of her Orillia history. Her dad’s store, Dick’s Shoes, was a long-time, downtown fixture.
Marcia had a special spark. She was curious, very playful and had a great sense of fun. She had a quick wit, remarkable energy and loved to learn. She was a multi-talented cook, seamstress, and a piano and bridge player. She had an artistic eye and was admired for her wardrobe of funky and fashionable clothes. She was a voracious reader and could knit like nobody’s business. Nothing made her happier than hiking on trails with family and friends, exploring new terrain, noticing beauty and soaking in natural wonders. She enjoyed trips with Murray, friends and family, exploring around the world.
Marcia was a driving force in our family, working with Murray to organize summer family trips across the country with three young daughters. We embarked on our first trip (to the west coast and back) after the dauntless Marcia took out a book from the library on how to camp with a family. Memories of setting up campsites and searching for frogs in ditches while M&M dealt with tent trailer flat tires are told again and again. She sewed matching outfits and Christmas nighties for her girls while working full time. She taught us about multi-tasking, organizing, planning, taking charge and getting things done! Marcia delighted in sharing stories of her daughters, grandchildren and her daughters’ partners.
Marcia had a wide circle of friends from her deep community involvement and leadership in many groups and organizations including the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), book group, bridge clubs, Couchiching Conservancy, the Couchiching Golf club, Stephen Leacock Association, Naturalist club, Orillia Public Library volunteer, Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) volunteer, yoga group, and teacher friends (“Bags”).
When Marcia developed Alzheimer’s at age 85, she continued to live life fully with the support of daughters and caregivers. Her essence continued to shine as she carried on with life to the best of her abilities, joining in with programs at the Alzheimer’s society and the VON, continuing to meet with friends and enjoy walks on Orillia’s many trails. Her smile was legendary.
A visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on Wednesday, August 2 from 4-7pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 62 Peter St. N., Orillia on Thursday, August 3 at 1:30pm followed by a reception at the church. The funeral will be live-streamed and recorded for anyone who wishes to view the service remotely.
<https://youtube.com/live/9IzaYpGh858>
Note: The link will not be active until shortly before the funeral service on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
If desired, donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Church, the Couchiching Conservancy, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Mariposa House Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice.
Messages of condolence are welcomed at: www.mundellfuneralhome.com