The family of Kathleen Marks is sad to announce her passing on September 2, 2011, at Franklin Gardens Long Term Care Facility, in Leamington, ON. Our mother was born on April 29, 1926 in Frodsham, England. She was predeceased by her husband, friend and life partner, Michael Marks. She was the dear mother of Alec Marks; Jill Marks and Kurt Oldenburg; and Jane Marks Cowan and Brian Cowan. She was the cherished Grandma to Naomi and Evan Oldenburg and the beloved Granny to Leah, Patrick and Connor Cowan.

Our parents came to Canada in 1953, eager to start a new life here. Living in a remote small town in the North was challenging but our mother had incredible strength and resilience when faced with adversity. She was small and appeared fragile, but was anything but frail.

Our mother was a beautiful woman with a quiet and gentle soul. She was an avid and gifted gardener; her flowerbeds and borders reflected her love of the Earth and her incredible skill. She loved to read, to listen to music, and was a masterful crossword puzzle solver and Scrabble player. Her relationships with her animal companions was always amazing; cats and dogs, without fail, would be drawn to her, sensing that she understood and cared. Many fur friends are anxiously awaiting her arrival on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, as surely for her, Heaven includes all loved ones-human and animals.

She will be forever missed by all of us. There is now an emptiness in our lives and hearts that can never be filled. Thank you to the loving staff at Franklin Gardens-her other family. Our mother had requested that no funeral services take place. She would be delighted to know that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. Cremation has occurred. Arrangements entrusted to Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841.

"And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils."