HILLS, Marian May

September 6, 1935 – October 24, 2022

Marian was born in Calgary, Alberta and passed away peacefully at the Hawthorne assisted living centre in Cochrane, Alberta.

Upon completion of school in Edmonton, Marian moved to Vancouver where she met and married her husband of 53 years, Leonard. They returned to Edmonton for Len to complete his Doctorate in Geology. Len’s work brought them to the University of Calgary and then to reside in Cochrane in 1973. It was here that she raised her two children and lived out her remaining years.

Marian was very active in the community and with her church. She held a strong faith in God and practiced that faith at All Saints Anglican Church in Cochrane. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Marian played a significant role in the early years of the Cochrane and Area Victim Services as the volunteer coordinator for more than ten years. She had a passion for dogs that led to teaching dog obedience through Rocky View Continuing Education for many years. She loved to train and show her dogs and her house was often full of terrier puppies.

One of Marian’s most significant contributions was her administrative role within the consulting company that she and Len formed after Len’s retirement. Her role was critical to the success of their company.

Marian was predeceased by her beloved husband Leonard, her brother Lynn Robarts, and her parents George Dickson Robarts and Vera May Robarts (Hughes). She is survived by her brother Dale (Joanne), daughter Maureen Hills-Urbat (Rick), son John (Colleen), and grandchildren Walter, Rebecca, Carlee, and Leonard.

Marian will be missed by all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through her friends and family that loved her dearly.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hawthorne and Grand Avenue Village for their care and compassion. A celebration of Marian’s life will take place at a later date. Those wishing to make memorial tributes in Marian’s name may direct them to Cochrane and Area Victim Services Society.

Arrangements entrusted to Flo Simpson, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca

  1. On October 28, 2022 at 7:54 pm DAVE AND PAT BUCKLER Said:

    Fond memories of your mom,at the hockey rink and around town,always a smile and hello never seemed to forget you.May your precious memories keep her close.

  2. On October 29, 2022 at 4:19 pm Norma Jones Said:

    So very sorry to hear of Marian’s passing . My condolences to her family .

  3. On October 29, 2022 at 6:01 pm Laurel McConnell Said:

    So sad to hear of her passing. Worked with her thru Cochrane and Area victim services at the Cochrane Rcmp Detachment. Always a smile on her face and lovely to chat again when we may meet around Cochrane. RIP lovely lady.

  4. On October 30, 2022 at 11:14 am Karan Winter Said:

    So sad to hear of Marian’s passing .. I have fond memories of our chats and lunches. Such an amazing lady. My condolences to her family.

  5. On October 31, 2022 at 8:49 am Lorel Strachan Said:

    Duncan and I add our condolences to the family. Marion was as a great asset to Zenith Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. We have fond memories of Marion supporting the star and her involvement in the Cochrane Victim Services. She stared us donating annually to this service and we continue to do so every year at Christmas. Her Game meat stew was always a hit at our “Stew” night each March as we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.
    Prayers and well wishes for to her family.
    Lorel Strachan
    Worthy Matron Zenith Chapter #85

  6. On November 1, 2022 at 11:33 am Lillian M Lane Said:

    I was so very sorry to hear about Marian’s passing. I will miss our telephone chats and lunch with her here at Grand Avenue. She was such a lovely person – I so enjoyed her company and hearing about her life. She flew away in silence -Rest in Peace my friend. My condolences to all her family

  7. On November 6, 2022 at 11:49 am Art Limbird Said:

    Maureen,

    I read the notice of you mother’s passing in the Cochrane Times. While I did not know your mother, I remember you from the Geography Department at the U of C. I am sorry to learn of your loss and wanted to let you know that my wife, Kay and I are thinking of you at this sad time.

    Regards,
    Art Limbird

  8. On November 10, 2022 at 9:28 am Jeanie Kline Cindy Renwick Said:

    Mom and our family knew Mrs Hills since 1973. Well Marian and Len were building their home on their acreage, Maureen and John lived with us, during the weekdays to go to school. Marian and mom (Jeanie) belonged to Eastern star. Mom still belongs to Eastern star. Mom has many fond memories of the fun and fiascos, during their time in Eastern Star. Mom got to visit, a few times with Marian in Hawthorne, as mom lived on the same floor. They were going to go out for lunch, but it did not happen and that makes mom sad.

    I seen and chatted with Marian a few times, well she lived at Hawthorne. Actually a couple of weeks, before her passing she was in great spirits and was going out with her younger brother for lunch. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends during this difficult time! Everybody in our family has found memories of the Hills family and keep relaying stories of all the fun times!

    Love and lots of hugs,

    Jeanie Kline, Cindy Renwick and family

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