Marion (Misty) Harrison (Nee Tyrrell) September 14, 2023 to February 27, 2024
Peacefully, after a full century of living, our incredible Nana Marion Harrison passed away in Dundas on February 27. Misty spent the first five years of her life in orphanages, before being adopted by Herbert and Jean Tyrrell of Toronto. Even at the very end of her life, Misty was still expressing gratitude to her late parents for choosing her and for providing her with such a wonderful home and family in which to grow up.
At a time when fewer women went to university, Misty attended the University of Toronto and earned a general arts degree. She was always extremely well-read, intelligent, and well-versed in current affairs. While she was at university, she was set up on a blind date, and into her life came the dashing young Ted Harrison. From that point on, they would spend their lives devoted to each other.
Misty and Ted were blessed with three children, and when the kids became teenagers, the Harrison home on Hillcrest Avenue in Hamilton was a popular spot for the siblings and all of their friends. This continued even after Misty and Ted’s eldest son Tyrrell was killed in a car accident when he was only 19.
When daughter Ann and son Alan moved out and were married, Misty and Ted made the most of their new “empty nest” and traveled the world. Galapagos Island, Kenya, and England were some of their favourite destinations. While Ted was busy running his company Hamilton Wire with Alan, Misty spent her days devoting her time to many volunteer organizations, including the VON, CNIB, and Hamilton Art Gallery. Together they always had Labrador dogs, at one point famously having five. Misty trained many of them to do field trials, with few being very successful except for her favourite dog, Simon.
Misty and Ted embraced grandparenthood with us (Edward, Thomas, Jessica, Hilary, William, and Richard). Christmases with Nana and Grampa at their home in Ancaster were magic, with a giant tree requiring a huge ladder to decorate to it. Many wonderful memories were also made in Muskoka on Cameron Island. All family celebrations, including birthdays, Easters, and New Years, were spent together and made more special because of them.
Tragically, Misty and Ted lost both Ann (1997) and then Alan (1999). Incredibly, Misty soldiered on, even as Ted’s Alzheimer’s slowly took his mind away from him, and still after he passed away in 2013. Our Nana lived on for us – for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – still continuing to see us and support us, and even taking us down south for amazing family vacations in the Caribbean. Despite her unimaginable losses, she never had a “woe is me” attitude. She was wise and loving until the end.
Misty leaves behind her loving and loved grandchildren: Thomas (Oyima), Edward, Will (Laura), Hilary (Brad), Jessica (Chris), and Richard; her adored great-grandchildren: Ellie, Sarah, Dylan, Courtney, Sam, and Maddie; her son-in-law Dave (Cathy) and daughter-in-law Alexandra; and all of Ted’s wonderful extended Harrison clan in Hamilton, Victoria, and elsewhere. Special thanks goes to Alice, the most amazing caregiver and friend, first to Ted and then to Misty. We will be eternally grateful for the kindness and care she gave to both of our grandparents.
Misty was clear that she did not want a formal funeral service, but we look forward to having a celebration in the spring to honour the life of our Nana. Should you wish to make a donation in her name, she suggested the Terry Fox Foundation.
Thanks for being a fabulous Nana and will miss hearing about you every time I call home. I always looked forward to your greeting cards and reading your messages – RIP
Misty was my godmother. She and my mother Joan Ebbels Whittingham were old friends. She was a generous godmother who always sent lovely Christmas gifts. Because we lived in Toronto I never saw her much. She had quite a life! Sending you all much love.
Misty was a dear friend of my mother, Joan Ebbels Whittingham.
They were at university together and we always heard how wonderful she was. My mother died unexpectedly in 2001 on a visit my family in Kirkland, Washington, at age 78. They were part of that great generation. I send my love and sympathies to all of Misty’s descendants. She will be forever remembered.
Jess, Hilary, Will, Richard, Edward and Tom,
Anne and I were very sorry to hear that your beloved Nana has passed away. We know she meant a great deal to all of you and that you will miss her dearly. May you remember her with much joy and happiness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Dear Family- So sorry to hear that Misty is no longer with us. She and my mother, Fran Waters, were very close friends. It’s nice to know they can now enjoy a bridge game, round of golf or time at the Hamilton Art Gallery, together again, in heaven. With love and fond memories of a very special person.