DOWLING, MARION EFFA - December 21, 1925 - April 29, 2012 - Marion Dowling passed away in Stettler, Alberta on April 29, 2012 at the age of 86 years. Marion was born on December 21, 1925 to Ernest and Laura Garland at Coverdale, New Brunswick, the eldest daughter of their six children. At the age of 21, she travelled across Canada on the train to Calgary to marry Russell Dowling. On January 22, 1947 the couple were united in marriage at High River, Alberta where they lived on the farm until March 17, 1950. At this time they moved to Halkirk where they raised their five children and farmed for 42 years. Marion had many interests such as reading, doing crafts, refinishing furniture, ceramics, knitting and crocheting. She also looked after two large gardens and packed water to the house for all of the household chores. Her love of picking berries reflected for her a time of relaxation. She loved to bake and cook large meals for everyone. No one ever left the table hungry. The neighbour boys would come to visit and more often than not stay for supper too! Marion would feed the thrashing crews and anyone who came to help on the farm and always finish off the wonderful meal with fresh baked peach or saskatoon pie. Over the years Marion belonged to the Spruce Creek Ladies Aide, the Royal Purple and was the secretary for many years for the Spruce Creek Telephone Company and the Women’s Institute in Botha. She also sang in the Stettler United Church Choir for many years. In 1992, Marion and Russell retired to Stettler where they resided until their passing. Marion was predeceased by her husband Russell Dowling, her parents Ernest and Laura Garland, her sister, Jean Tower, her in-laws Amos and Hazel Dowling, Lissa Dowling, Floyd Dowling, Harvey Dowling, Layton Stone and Floyd Dernier. Marion leaves to mourn her children, Gary Dowling (Linda), Linda Harder, Arlene Fowler (Leo Lindeman), Carolyn Anderson (Bennett), Elaine Dowling (Lee Painchaud), eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters, Doris Stone, Ruby Rinzler (Joe) and Phyllis Turner (Doug); brother, Allan Garland (Judy) and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services for the late Marion Dowling were held at the Stettler United Church on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Susan Bowyer officiating.