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Marion Elizabeth Rankin

January 14, 2023

100 years of health and happiness. How blessed are we… Jayne Borschke and Penny Cumberland (Ken), to be her daughters and to have felt her love for all these years. Marion passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

The secret of her longevity – she married John P. Rankin in 1945, a young flight lieutenant who returned from Ceylon after WWII. Life centered around her family and their wonderful golfing friends in Petrolia, Strathroy and London. They played at Highland Country Club, Greenhills and at Hickory Ridge into their 90’s. Those were the days when you would walk 18 holes. Perhaps this is the secret to their long healthy life.

Weekends were spent at Grand Bend with morning coffee gazing over Lake Huron, waiting for gardening and beach activities to begin. John died 5 weeks before his 100th birthday and Marion 2 weeks after her 100th birthday. They were married for 77 years.

The crowning delight of a happy life – six grandchildren: Margie of Australia, Lyndsay, Baird, Will, all of Toronto; Lara of Boston, BJ of London; and nine great-grandchildren: Poppy, Blake, Willa, Evan, Hudson, Isla, Knox, Isley, and Bowdoin.

A private family service is being held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Westview Funeral Chapel. Thank you to our very special PSW’s Jeannie, Jessita, Pureza, Merlyn and Revi. They loved ‘Granny’ as their own. Donations in memory of Marion to the Humane Society London & Middlesex.

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Penny and Jayne. My condolences on the passing of your sweet mother Marion. What a long and happy life you got to share with both your parents. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your families. Fondly, Jan Goodwin

~ JanGoodwin

Our sympathy to the family on the loss of a wonderful lady. We have fond memories of golf, dinners and cribbage with the Rankins. We are better people because we knew the Rankins.

~ Pauline and Bob Benford

To Jayne and the family, I am blessed to have known Marion and John over the years at Oakridge Church. it is astounding to hear that they both enjoyed such a long and enjoyable life. I do not think I have ever heard of a couple getting so close to 100years and 77 years of marriage. Hoping peace for you and your family as you grieve the loss of Marion. Hopefully the many years of memories helps get you through. God Bless, Tom and Nancy

~ Tom and Nancy Kontio

I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing My thoughts and prayers are with you . Gail Clarke

~ Gail Clarke

Aunt Marion was an amazing woman. Incredibly patient and calm no matter what the situation. I remember her for the most infectious laugh. The last time I saw her she shared a memory and laughed about it. Her smile and laugh lit up the room. She personified the term “twinkle”. She passed that joy on to everyone she was with. My thoughts are with Jayne and Penny and the rest of the family. Love all around Barbara

~ Barbara Cooper Drucker

Our deepest sympathy to the family. We have many great memories spending time with Marion and John great dinners and golf outings wonderful friends. Al & Barb Seymour.

~ Al and Barb Seymour

Sending my sincere condolences to Marion's family. What a beautiful loving tribute to your mom. I still picture your mom at a new year's party at our home in Petrolia looking like a princess in a beautiful gown. I was lucky enough to see John when my Dad passed in 2011. Such a lovely family. I am so very sorry for your loss

~ Nancy Monteith

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Humane Society London & Middlesex

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