Marian Frances Turnbull
Passed on: April 23rd, 2008
Nov. 18, 1939-April 23, 2008 Surrounded by faithful friends, Marian Frances Turnbull passed peacefully away on April 23, 2008, at her home in L’Arche Cape Breton. Born in Glace Bay to Andy and Cassie Elizabeth (Fortune) Turnbull, Marian lived in industrial Cape Breton until her move to L’Arche in Whycocomagh in 1988. Along with Cathy MacMillan and Mary Leblanc, Marian was the founder of Thomas House in Mabou, where she will be particularly missed by her housemates, Sandy MacIsaac and Brian Dipersio. Marian is mourned by her sister, Rosemary Reid, Dominion; her nieces, Corinne Reid, Dominion, and Marie (Clarie Holloway), Glace Bay; her nephews, Michael Reid, Etobicoke, Ont., and David Reid, Dominion; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She also leaves to mourn her wide extended family of L’Arche Cape Breton. Marian loved animals, especially her cats Root Beer and Benny, the famous one-eyed cat rescued by the Cape Breton Feline Support Society. A member of the Stewart United Church in Whycocomagh, Marian was a woman of prayer and faithfulness, gentle and generous to all she met. A true Cape Bretoner, she enjoyed a good cup of tea and a biscuit and the occasional taste of ‘scotch’ ice cream. She lived life intensely and touched people deeply. Her laughter and tears, her songs and stories made life with her rich and full. There will never be another woman like her. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Friday, April 25 from 2-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the L’Arche Cape Breton Chapel in Iron Mines. A celebration of Marian’s life will be held in the chapel at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26. Family and friends are invited to join the L’Arche community for a reception immediately following the service at the Cameron Hall, Whycocomagh. Burial will take place at Forest Haven Cemetery in Sydney at a later date to be announced.
