Marion Gwendolyn Ellison

Marion Gwendolyn Ellison, 98, born on July 5, 1920, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, passed away Memorial Day May 27, 2019. She resided in Anaheim, California at the time of her passing. She was the second child of William Carr, of Canada and Gertrude Rose Williams from England. She was later unofficially adopted by Frank Walsh at age four. She was preceded in death by one older brother, William Carr and two younger brothers, Martin "Bud" Walsh (Helen) and James Walsh (Violet) and a younger sister, Marie Yorfido (Bruno.) She is survived by two younger brothers, Frederick Walsh (Jenny) and David Walsh (Gail.) She grew up in Welland, Ontario until she married Russel J. Colosi in 1937 and moved to Niagara Falls, NY. They had three children, Russel A. Colosi, Rose Patricia Colosi (Walker) and Cherly Marie Colosi (Ross.) She worked for Nu-Way and Acme Markets in NY. Marion and Russel divorced in 1962 and she moved to Youngstown, NY in 1963 where she had a house built with her husband, Harold "Curly" Ellison. When she was 51 years old they did not hesitate to unselfishly raise her two grandchildren Cheryl Ann Simpson (Pedraza) and Richard Simpson. They moved west to Washo County, Nevada in 1979. She and Richard moved to Diamond Bar, CA in 1982. She worked for her daughter's family business, Walker's Liquor and Deli, in Anaheim, as a cook, from 1990 and continued working for the new owner when her daughter retired and sold the business in 2005. Marion retired in 2007 at age 87 only after she had her knee replacement surgery. She enjoyed her family and travel to Italy, Tahiti, Cuba, Florida and many trips back home to Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, Ontario. In addition to her three children, she had 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. She was disappointed that she was not able to meet her great-great grandson, but she loved him anyway. Her obituary is long because she lived a long, full and rewarding life. We were spoiled to have her with us for so many years! She was born and grew up poor, but often said she had such a happy childhood that she did not realize she was poor. She found her way in a large world and loved enjoying life. She requested we list the poem below by Mary Elizabeth Frye. Arrangements are all under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California with viewing Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 4PM to 8PM. Service Friday, June 14, 2019 at 11:30 AM with graveside burial in Sunrise section immediately to follow.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.