Marion Biggs 1909 ~ 2013

Miss Marion Phyllis Biggs passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the age of 103 years, just days from her 104th birthday. She was predeceased by her three sisters - Doris, Bud & Rachel.

Marion was born on March 31, 1909 in Springfield Ranch, Alberta now known as Beynon. She was the daughter of homesteaders in the Drumheller area where the prairie was still wild and undeveloped. A favorite hobby of Marion's, at Beynon, was raising angora rabbits. Many hats and gloves were spun from their fine fur by her mother. Marion started school in a one room school house at Beynon, and finished her education in Calgary. In 1939, she founded the Lethbridge Secretarial College which she ran until 1964. Marion served as a Principal of the Henderson School of Commerce from 1964 until her retirement in 1970. She was a strict educator as she wanted her students to be as capable as possible when going out to face the world of employment. Music was her lifelong love; she played her cello in The Lethbridge Symphony for many years. She was also a loyal and active member of The Lethbridge Sketch Club, now The Lethbridge Artists Club. Growing up, she roamed the coulees, and this became a lifetime habit. Marion carefully observed nature with an artistic eye. Her prolific work captured our local landscapes; her paintings of coulees, prairies and river valley hang on many walls. Her ""snow"" studies were particularly memorable. For many years she was involved with the CNIB, and attended many of their events. Marion was very accomplished in woodworking and crafted many fine pieces of furniture. At one time she enrolled in automotive classes. Marion was a remarkable person - unique, strong-willed and independent. She continued to reside in Lethbridge until her passing.

As Marion wished, no formal memorial service will be held. However, a drop-in reception to honour our friend is scheduled from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Lethbridge Seniors Centre | 500 11th Street South, Lethbridge, AB.

Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.