Obituary of Marion Anne Young

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Marion Anne Young (Blondeau) announce her passing in the early hours of December 21, 2020 at the age of 75.

Marion was born into the Metis family of Eliza and Albert Blondeau. She lived her early life in Estevan. Marion was predeceased by husband William; brothers Duane, Bert and Raymond and sister Eva. She will be greatly missed by her son Marlon (Michelle), grandchildren Kristin, Dari-Anne, Dylan, Mykel, Eric and Amy and daughter Deirdra Cossette, grandchildren Alex, Simon and Victoria. Marion is survived by her sister Fran Blondeau; brothers Joseph and Lenny; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Marion struggled as a single parent much of her life, but she didn’t let that stop her as she completed her G.E.D. This led her down the path to her long career with the government. Her career consisted of working at The Department of Health, Dale’s House and subsequently Dojack Youth Centre. Throughout her career she received the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal and Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal from the Lt. Governor.

Marion enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She could be seen tapping away in the kitchen or making porridge and doing crafts or memory boards with her grandchildren. She lit up a room with her smile and her love could be felt by everyone. Despite a life filled with challenges Marion retained a ribbon of optimism which will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Her loving ways and smile will be missed by everyone who knew her.

She was a founding member of the Regina Single Parents Improvement Association and helped start the School for Pregnant Teenagers in 1969; a time when any girl who became pregnant was asked to leave school. The program was named the Balfour Tutorial Program and continues to support students at Balfour Collegiate. As a member of Joint Action Co-op, Marion also helped create an apartment complex for single parent families that was later managed by Ranch Ehrlo Society.

A faithful member of Westhill Park Baptist Church and Intercultural Grandmothers Uniting, Marion inspired many others by sharing her life experiences as well as dealing with multiple brain aneurysms, cancer, and chronic pain. Clients of Carmichael Outreach and Souls Harbour also benefited from her generous service.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at Westhill Park Baptist Church when COVID-19 permits. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic.