I, Marion Louisa Yates, died on March 10th of a broken heart. I was predeceased by husband John Yates, in 2017. I leave behind my daughter Jenny Yates, who has stood alone beside me with love and care for the past five and a half years. For this I am eternally grateful. I will miss our travel adventures, we shared our work, our professional lives and Jenny welcomed me playing “the other mother” to her kids that I thoroughly enjoyed. What has become obvious to me over the past years of my life are the values of love and kindness which I experienced in Jenny’s home and with the rest of my village.
With great sadness I leave behind my grandchildren, Olivia Yates Bin and Alexander Yates Bin. They have brought me such gifts of joy and love. Olivia, I will miss our times together, shopping in Yorkville, lunch at Holt Renfrew, and getting our nails done. I will miss our friendship, listening to you share about all your friends, and your adventures. You have a beautiful heart and Gramma loves you so much. Alexander, I will miss going out for Sushi and you expertly ordering for the both of us. I loved going to bookstores with you, and listening to you share your thoughts and opinions of the world around you. I will miss you sweet heart and have appreciated you coming for walks with me, lifting the walker in and out of the car, and helping me get my steps in. I love you both to the moon and back.
In Toronto I leave my two adorable younger grandchildren, Molly Bhandara and Jack Bhandara. I have many early memories of the kids at the cottage and playing at Davisville park. Jack liked playing in John’s car and Molly playing with her dolls. I would like to mention Lorna Yates and my son-in Law Khushroo, I love you.
I graduated from the Wellesley School of Nursing in 1970 with my 3 closest friends, Linda, Marilyn, and Anne. I have many fond memories of our get-togethers over the past 53 years. I left nursing when I realized there wasn’t any time to relate to patients and subsequently moved on to be a Psychotherapist. I studied in Toronto and New York, graduating in 1991 as a Bioenergetic Psychotherapist. This career has prepared me for my own journey.
My cousins Linda and Stephen Hodd and their families have been filling in the gap for the loss of my family. I leave feeling full of gratitude and love for the 50 years of friendships, adventures in travel, and shared business interests. Working for and being loved by the Griffiths family for the past many years have brought me joy and love. Thank you, Naomi Stephens and family. I was loved by my village of sister friends, some old and many new.
My Strata Condo neighbours have been a great support and strength to me living alone. Mary has become my new bestie, and we shared years of Saturday Night Dinners, talking about everything. I had fun teaching aqua fit, accommodating for those of us who were in and out of rehab, enjoying the coffee chat group, book club, and other social events, all of which enriched my life.
Wellington United Church has been so important to me finding newfound faith. During my five and a half years in Burlington I connected to other fellowships, Al-anon, Weight Watchers, and Probus. These sister friends and fellowships helped me with my recovery and wellbeing.
I had several professionals who helped me extend my quality of life including my golf seasons. I am indebted to my organizer Catherine, my trainer Caroline, Kelly and Vicky my therapist, Denise my osteopath, and Johnalee kept me sane during the golf seasons! I have been fortunate to have such an amazing team who have provided excellent care. I wish to thank my GP Dr. Abrishami and her staff, Dr. Thomas Parker, Head Cardiologist at St. Michael's, and his secretary Xinena, Dr. McDermott at Mt. Sinai, Dr. Solish, and Dr. Helen Pyle of the MAID program. Thank you, Katie Southon, for rising me up during these difficult last few months. In lieu of flowers please donate directly to
St. Michael’s Hospital Cardiology Department Unit or to the Sexual Assault Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
Sexual Assault Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS).