On a peaceful Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, the world bid farewell to Marion Ina Smith (nee Hines) of Dornoch, as she gracefully entered eternal rest at the age of 86. In her 86th year, Marion’s life unfolded as a testament to love, family, and the enduring impact of a life well-lived. Beloved wife, cherished mother, proud grandmother, and dear sister, Marion’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the lives she touched. Marion’s journey through life was marked by love, beginning with her role as a beloved wife to Gordon Smith. Their union was a testament to enduring love and companionship, weathering the storms of life together and savoring the joys that accompanied their shared journey.
As a loving mother, Marion embraced the joys and challenges of raising a family with a warmth and dedication that left an indelible mark on her children. Ruthann Smith, Ellnor Van Eck and her husband John, Elaine Young and her husband Tim, Rosemary Smith, Gayle Baker and her husband Mike, and Dennis Hines and his wife Joanne were fortunate to call Marion their mother. A testament to her nurturing spirit, Marion’s influence extended beyond her immediate family, embracing Gary Hooper as a son-in-law. Proudly wearing the badge of grandmother, Marion was a source of love and wisdom for her 10 grandchildren.
As she welcomed the next generation, her heart swelled with pride at the sight of 9 great-grandchildren, each a living testament to the enduring bonds of family she helped forge.
Marion’s journey through life was enriched by the love of her siblings. She shared a special bond with her sister Isabel Tiffin, and was a beloved sister-in-law to Shirley Hines and Earl Reid. Together, they formed a supportive network of love that transcended the passage of time. Yet, as the tapestry of Marion’s life unfolded, it carried with it the weight of loss.
Preceding her in death were her daughter Joanne Hooper, her parents Fred and Emma Hines, and her siblings Russell, Emerson, and Charlie Hines, Irene Doherty, Joan Reid, Blanche Hiltz, and Dolly Beach. Each loss was a chapter of sorrow, but also a testament to the strength with which Marion faced life’s inevitable challenges.
Marion’s impact extended beyond her immediate family, reaching into the hearts of nieces, nephews, and friends who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory is etched into the anecdotes, shared laughter, and the enduring bonds that were forged in the crucible of life’s experiences.
Visitation to pay respects and share fond memories of Marion’s life will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home in Durham. As friends and family gather, the air will be filled with stories that capture the essence of Marion – her warmth, her wisdom, and the love that emanated from her generous heart.
