1934 ~ Marion Blair ~ 2026 "A Memorial Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 20 Kovak Street, Red Deer, Alberta, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the service will also be available via Zoom. The Zoom meeting will open at 1:30 p.m. M.S.T on August 29, 2026 and can be accessed with the following information: Meeting ID: 838 1374 4237 Passcode: 554409 Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83813744237?pwd=BHA84WjaZ3AUjYwVejRrvnFOXLB8wZ.1

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Marion Blair in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 91 years. She was surrounded by her loving children in her final hours, a testament to the deep love and close bond they shared as a family.

Born on November 12, 1934, in Lacombe, Alberta, Marion was raised in Red Deer, Alberta where she grew up as the eldest of three children and was a loving big sister to Al and Sharon. Red Deer remained home to her throughout her life. In April of 1955, she married the love of her life, Claude Robert Blair, beginning a marriage filled with love, devotion, and shared memories. The young couple first made their home in Big Valley, then Delburne, Alberta before returning to Red Deer after the birth of their two sons. There they raised their family and built a home filled with warmth, hospitality, laughter, and faith. There was always room at Marion’s table for one more cup of coffee, one more visit, and one more conversation.

Marion had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. She loved spending time with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter over a cup of coffee, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy good company. She loved travelling, soaking up the warmth of the sun, and planting and harvesting her garden. She also had a wonderful sense of style and delighted in fashion, shopping, and finding the perfect pair of shoes. Marion had a deep love for animals and found great joy in caring for the wildlife around her home. She was always sure to leave food out for the rabbits, squirrels, and birds that visited her yard, though the birds held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed watching them, collected beautiful bird artwork, and loved feeding them. For many years she faithfully fed the neighbourhood pigeons, and one regular visitor returned so often that Marion affectionately named her Molly. Molly’s visits became a treasured part of her day and brought Marion countless moments of happiness. Nothing brought Marion greater joy than the people she loved. She delighted in celebrating life’s meaningful milestones—graduations, first cars, new homes, weddings, anniversaries, new jobs, and every accomplishment, big or small. She had a wonderful way of making each occasion feel special. Whether it was a planned family gathering or a simple afternoon visit, she treasured every opportunity to be together. Her greatest happiness came from seeing her family grow and thrive. In more recent years, as age and declining health limited her ability to travel and get out as much as she once had, Marion embraced life’s quieter pleasures. She was rarely without a good Louis L’Amour western novel and eagerly anticipated every visit with family and friends. She treasured every photograph, child’s drawing, handmade card, and thoughtful note she received. Marion also had a well-known sweet tooth, and few things brought a brighter smile to her face than an unexpected dessert or favourite sweet treat shared with someone she loved.

Marion’s faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses was the foundation of her life. It guided the way she treated others—with kindness, generosity, and compassion—and gave her comfort and peace throughout her life. Her family finds comfort in the Bible’s promise of the resurrection and looks forward with confidence to the time they will welcome her again. Marion leaves behind and will be lovingly remembered by her loving sons, Doug (Teri) Blair and Lyle (Christina) Blair, who were a great source of pride and joy throughout her life; her cherished grandchildren, Dan (Briana), Eddie (Angie), Cassaundra (Andrew), and Coby (Cody); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Kohen, Axel, Adalia, Dana, and Wesley, each of whom brought her immeasurable happiness. She will also be deeply missed by her brother, Al Preston (Carrie); her sister, Sharon Lenz; and her nieces and nephew. Marion held a special place in her heart for each of them, and the love, memories, and connections they shared will be treasured forever.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Claude, in 2007. Marion will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will carry with them the many memories of her warmth, laughter, generosity, and love. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who treated Marion with dignity and kindness, and to the many family members and dear friends whose love, support, and prayers have been a source of strength during this difficult time.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 20 Kovak Street, Red Deer, Alberta, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the service will also be available via Zoom. The Zoom meeting will open at 1:30 p.m. M.S.T on August 29, 2026 and can be accessed with the following information:

Meeting ID: 838 1374 4237

Passcode: 554409

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83813744237?pwd=BHA84WjaZ3AUjYwVejRrvnFOXLB8wZ.1. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.