Marion McLean, resident of Hythe and District Pioneer Home, AB, formerly of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital, at the age of 92 years.

Marion was born April 29, 1931, in Prelate, SK, to Dorothy and Ted Cobbett.

Marion started her early years with family living in Saskatchewan, moving to Winnipeg, MB, to live with her grandparents during the difficult depression years. At the age of 13 she and her family left Winnipeg to start a new life in Sardis, BC, which is next to the city of Chilliwack. She finished Grade 11 at Chilliwack Secondary High School, where she also met her future husband. Her first job was as a telephone operator for BC Tel, headquartered in Chilliwack.

Marion married her husband in October 1950, and a couple of years later her husband joined the Army, making the rank of Captain, and was posted in Calgary. Her husband left the army after fourteen years and the family moved to “Civvy Street”. The family moved to Grande Prairie in April of 1972, and became owner/operators of infamous Gulf Wayfare Restaurant, with a visit by Wayne and Shuster to promote the Grand Opening. She and her husband divorced in 1977 when she took over the successful operation of the business.

When Petrocan closed the Wayfare, Marion cleaned up and repaired Husky House to operate another successful restaurant operation. After a couple of years, she decided to retire and moved to Vancouver Island. She did a lot of traveling in her retirement, visiting many Western States, and Mexican sunspots. She returned to Grande Prairie to be with her family for the last 20 years.

Marion especially cherished her pet dogs who kept her company through the years including her Sheltie and Mini Short-haired Dachshund.

During her military years she sewed her own formal gowns for all those special events a Captain and his wife were expected to attend. They joined mixed curling where she knit all the warm pullover sweaters she needed for that sport. All the men in her life also received “Indian Sweaters” knit by her. In her retirement years she learned quilting and blanketed all her families. Her sweater knitting changed to lap blankets and dish cloths in her final hobby creations.

Marion is survived by her one brother Allan Cobbett; six children: Cathy McLean (Marvin Drewlo), Maureen (George) Waughtal, Marilyn (Lionel) Volden, Becky (Jim) Bozarth, Scott (Joan) McLean, Cheri (Randy) Wedler; thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Marion was predeceased by her ex-husband, mother and father, two brothers, and one granddaughter.

The family would like to thank Dr. Duta and staff, the staff at the Pioneer Lodge, and Beaverlodge Hospital for all the care they gave Marion. Thank you so much.