1926-2021 Marion passed away peacefully at Maple View Extendicare in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on Monday, July 26,2021 age 94. Marion was born in Detroit, Michigan October 26, 1926, first born of Maurice and Margaret Schnarr. Marion and her three siblings, Maurice, Elizabeth Taylor (Betty) and Sandra grew up in Ontario primarily in Simcoe and Kitchener-Waterloo. Marion loved working at her uncle Clarence’s flower shop in Kitchener where she honed her amazing skills at floral arranging. Marion attended Bryn Athyn College in Pennsylvania earning her Liberal Arts degree and a love of natural science. After returning to Kitchener Marion enrolled at Waterloo Lutheran College (Wilfred Laurier University) completing her Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1952 Marion married Leigh Bellinger (pre-deceased) and they began their life together in Toronto. In 1959 they moved to their bungalow in Etobicoke where Marion’s love of gardening flourished over the next fifty years transforming a mud lot into a magnificent mixed garden of trees, shrubs, rock garden and perennial flowers. Marion and Leigh raised their family in Etobicoke having three children Jeffrey Bellinger, Stephen Bellinger (spouse Gigi Farrell) and Joy Bellinger (pre-deceased). After the children were in school Marion worked as a floral designer including arranging wedding flowers for many friends, their children and ultimately some of her students from the Olivet Day School at which she taught grades 7 and 8 for over ten years. Marion loved teaching the sciences and instilled this in many of her students. Marion loved watching sports with her family including her children’s exploits on the sports field as well as the Leafs, the Blue Jays, Raptors and the Olympic Games. Marion also played a challenging game of scrabble every day at Mapleview.
Marion leaves behind sons Jeffrey, Stephen and wife Gigi and her two grandsons Liam and Gareth as well as her very dear friend and “adopted” daughter Charlotte Balez.
Special thanks to the staff on Harmony Bay at Maple View Extendicare for their dedication and care of Marion over the past year and a half. Marion appreciated all of you.
Marion’s request was for a simple cremation and private scattering of her ashes. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. - 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.