Marion Jean May, 64, of Ottawa, Ontario passed away on July 31, 2025. She was born in Lachine, Quebec, on September 14, 1960, to George and Barbara May. She graduated from Glebe High School and Humber College and went on to advance in careers as a writer, artist and teacher.
Marion used her gift for writing in many capacities: as a journalist with the St. John’s Daily News, an editor and writer for the National Research Council, a food columnist and as founding member of the Barrhaven Writing Circle. In addition to her writing, she excelled in running and completed multiple half marathons. She was an accomplished watercolour painter and artist in multiple mediums.
Marion was a passionate advocate for youth literacy and devoted much of her time to volunteering with children with reading difficulties. The difference she made in those children’s lives was one of Marion’s proudest accomplishments.
Marion had many talents but her ability to listen and support others set her apart. When someone spoke to her, they knew they had her “full” attention. This quality gave Marion many long lasting and sincere friendships. Her generosity and kindness cannot be understated. It gave Marion so much pleasure in doing nice things for others.
A celebration of life will be held on August 18, 2025, at 1PM, at 280 Beechwood Avenue. Guests are encouraged to wear colourful attire. After hearing from Marion's loved ones, guests will be invited to a reception to share memories and stories about Marion while engaging with some of her favourite arts.
Marion is survived by her husband, Richard Charles Dobson and daughter, Lydia Madeleine Dobson and sisters Ruth Park (May), Heather May and brothers Frederick, Ross and Richard. She is predeceased by George and Barbara May.
Marion’s generosity, creativity and strength will be remembered dearly.
Digital Guestbook
Alida Pagliarello Rose
Anne Boys-Hope
This is very sad news. I knew Marion through the dyslexia community and we stayed in touch over the years. She was generous, kind, funny, all the good things. She made a real difference in the lives of many. My deepest condolences to her family.
Marie Noreau
My family had the incredible privilege of having Marion tutor our son Felix for several years. She truly changed his life with her kindness, patience and ability to connect with him. She also had a special way of always encouraging and lifting me up, always saying the most thoughtful things just when I needed to hear them the most. I feel very blessed to have known this exceptional person and she is someone I will never forget. She may be gone but her spirit lives on in all the good and light she brought to the world. I’m so sorry for the loss of this earth angel.
Dale egan
Long, long ago Marion and I were good friends at Glebe before our family moved to Toronto. To this day, in the autumn, when I’m walking on a crisp day with the sun in my back, I remember a day we went hiking in the Gatineau. marions’s older brother, Fred (?, he drove) and two younger brothers were with us. We were walking down a hill smiling at each other. It was glorious. Marion and I occasionally connected online a couple a years ago and I remember her very fondly to this day.
Ron and I wish to express our deepest condolences to all the family. We have fond memories of Marion at parties and get togethers at Joe and Heather's. She was always great to be around and we had some good conversations.
During my brother Sergio's cancer journey and later Marion and I had meaningful chats. She was a great listener and was a comfort to me.
She will be missed.
Ron and Alida