February 21, 1937 - August 23, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marion Isherwood on August 23, 2024. After a year of falls, fractures and surgery, Marion left this world on her own terms, with grace and serenity. She will be sorely missed by family and friends, near and far.
Predeceased by her parents John and Doris Isherwood and brothers Michael and Brian, Marion is survived by nieces, nephews and her lifelong friend Eleanor Kane.
Born in 1937 in Barnet Hertfordshire, England, Marion’s childhood took place during the exploding years of WW2. She and her brothers were young enough to focus on stories, games and tricks whilst protected in the family’s Anderson shelter. Those bunker remnants still stand in the garden of her childhood home.
As a young woman, Marion carved out a career as a secretary in London, with a film company, Elstree Studios. None other than Roger Moore was a major star at that time and Marion became the “continuity girl” on his gigs. She has a photo of RM, signed “love Roger”.
Like many families in post-war London, Marion and her brother Brian and his family emigrated to Canada in 1965. Marion settled in Montreal and had a successful career working with CMA. It was in Montreal that she met Eleanor. They both joined a mixed choir group, Island City Singers, and this grew into a long and beautiful friendship.
In the late-sixties, Marion visited the Stratford Festival and was enchanted. Soon she and Eleanor made frequent pilgrimages to see plays. Their only disappointment was the lack of good restaurants. By the late 60’s, Quebec, and particularly Montreal, were in turmoil, the FLQ crisis was at its height and the situation seemed increasingly uncertain for Anglophones. Marion and Eleanor toyed with the idea of moving away.
One summer day in Stratford, they found a Victorian house for sale near the city centre and decided to put in an offer. They were each ccomplished with throwing parties and had the wherewithal and nerve to open a restaurant. The Old Prune opened in 1969 as a tea room and within a few years it morphed into one of Stratford’s most elegant and refined dining establishments. The glamorous Marion welcomed guests with class and charm.
Marion was an exceptionally gifted artist. Her strong and whimsical paintings adorned The Old Prune, the lovely homes she and Eleanor shared and various galleries. She loved books and music and of course the theatre. She was a Friend of the Festival volunteer for many years. Marion’s bright eyes, joyous laughter and ferocity of opinion will never be forgotten.
Her community of friends extends deepest thanks to the doctors and nurses who cared for her over the past year at Stratford General Hospital, Seaforth Community Hospital, and the London Victoria Hospital. Perhaps especially, in the end, Dr. Eric Thomas and Dr. Mammoliti at Stratford General.
There will be a private interment. In lieu of flowers, Marion requested that donations be made in her memory to the Aspen Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary Spirit Horses ([email protected]).
Arrangements entrusted to W.G Young Funeral Home
