Marion was born in Birmingham to Jack and Ellen Penny. Her father mainly worked for the Post Office. The family came coincidentally from 51 Exeter Road Selly Oak. Marion had a good education and did well at school before the outbreak of war whereupon she was evacuated to Wooton under Edge. On her return to Birmingham she gained employment with ICI as a laboratory technician and also worked for Kalamazoo Business systems on the Bristol Road.
She met her husband to be Dennis Dunkley at a dance near the Cadbury Factory in Bournville. At the time he was an apprenticed Electrician. Their wedding took place in Bournville. Shortly after this the couple moved to the West Country and settled at 147 Exeter Road (a bit of a theme here) Exmouth opening a guest house which they named "Bournvilla".
They moved down with her parents Ellen and Jack who helped with the catering, etc, and helped following the arrival of her sons Paul and Mark in 1959 and 1962 respectively.
In 1967 following the passing of her mother, the family moved to Radnor Place St Leonards in Exeter where Marion took up a part time job with the Environment Agency/South West Water in their Rainfall Department!! She would work there until her retirement.
Sadly she lost Dennis suddenly in 1976 and struggled through by letting rooms to foreign students at the Exeter English Language School which along with the part time job helped meet ends. She welcomed and looked after many individuals from diverse nationalities. Some remained long time friends.
Paul and Mark subsequently went on to achieve careers in the Construction Industry.
Eventually Marion moved to a smaller house in St Leonards to retire actively involved in local schools and the St Leonards Neighbourhood Association as both Secretary and Honorary Secretary.
Paul's son Luke moved back to Exeter and lived with Marion bringing a new dimension to her life whilst he went to Exeter College and gained access to Exeter University (Falmouth Campus). On achieving a Bachelors Degree in History with the Dean's commendation he then went on to train as a teacher moving to Hampshire to start his teaching career.
Marion will be remembered for a warm welcome, a cup of tea and a biscuit, engaging conversation and exceptional wit and humour. She was creative and resourceful and young of heart and mind.
Much loved mum of Paul and Mark, adored nan of Luke and closest friends Dot and Sue, she will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.
I was very sad to hear about Marion's death. She was always so kind to me, and incredibly easygoing and tolerant when I stayed at her house during our uni holidays. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humour. I'll always remember sitting in the sunny garden room of her house reading back copies of The Lady.
Marian was my dearest friend and we shared a wonderful friendship that lasted for 74yrs. We went to school together, we worked together, and even had TB together! We both moved to Devon and ran guest houses and took in students from overseas. Marian’s friendship was the thread of gold that ran throughout my life. She faced many challenges in her life but was always a shining example in the way that she coped with life’s ups and downs. Marian had a ‘seize the day’ attitude to life and made the best of any opportunities that came her way. She was an inspiration to me and all who knew her. We had so much fun and laughter together down through the years! Marian was a very kind, supportive friend, a great listener and someone I could share all of life’s joys and sorrows with. She was widely read and used her knowledge to help others. Marian had such an interest in people and the wider world.Marian was very active in her community, helping at her church and listening to children read at her local school. She was very sociable and a member of many clubs and societies where she had many friends. Marian was a real ‘extra miler’ and nothing was too much trouble to help her family and friends. Within her family she was a caring daughter and sister to Geoff, a loving wife to Dennis, a wonderful mother to Paul and Mark and an inspirational grandmother to Luke. Marian was unique, a truly wonderful friend and companion to me and also to our dear friend Iris. She has left so many happy memories for me to cherish. She was so much a part of my family and all of my family and I will miss her so much. God bless you Marian my unforgettable friend.
For the children
All are welcome to the Devon Hotel for a cup of tea and a biscuit after the service at 13-30 to 1400hrs.
Ample Parking.
I will miss Mal very much. She was a big part of my life.
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