Marianne Miles passed away peacefully on October 3, 2020 with her family by her side.
Marianne Sinclair Turner was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on October 13, 1928 brought into the world by her slave descendent grandmother who was a midwife. Her early childhood was spent both in Harlem and the Bronx with her parents Arthur and Ida Turner and her three siblings, Mercedes, Winton and Richard (Rick).
Upon graduation from high school she was fortunate to gain a full academic scholarship to St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina where Marianne met and married her beloved husband Roland E. Miles and was a devoted wife and mother to their seven university educated children, until his death in 1995.
Marianne immigrated to Canada in 1951 as her husband Roland signed an illustrious contract with the Canadian Football League and they decided to make Canada their home.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949, at St. Augustine’s College, she continued her studies by receiving her Bachelor of Education in1968 and her Masters Degree in Education in 1972 from University of Alberta. her Doctorate in Psychology (PhD) from the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1988. Marianne had an amazing career in education as both a Teacher and an Administrator transitioning to a full time practicing psychologist in 1996 until retirement.
As a double breast cancer survivor Marianne volunteered her time bringing awareness to this cause as Director of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) as well as sitting on boards including Aboriginal and Urban Breast Cancer and Compassion House. She was also Past President of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA).
Marianne also volunteered her services to help train teachers and administrators in developing countries including Guyana in 1990, Liberia in 1991 and Swaziland in 1992 with her involvement with Project Overseas.
Even at the age of 90 Marianne was the recipient of the prestigious William Jefferson Jackson Honour Award in Raleigh North Carolina.
Marianne leaves to mourn her loss her brother Richard Turner, her seven children, Rolanda Miles, Craig Anthony (Coreen)Miles, Monica (Richard)Lipscombe, Mario (Sherline)Miles, Michelle Miles (David), Roland Miles Jr., and Brett (Dani) Miles; sixteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and so many wonderful friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Ida and Arthur. Turner, her sister Mercedes Owens, her brother Winton Turner and son-in-Law, Teddy Pemberton.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Private Family Service will be held. Please click here to view the service live.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mr. Roland (Rollie) and Dr. Marianne Miles Scholarship Fund. http://bit.ly/SAU-Giving
Sherol leslie says
On behalf of the leslie family I am sending my deepest condolences to the family at this time
I pray that you find comfort in all the amazing memories you have of her and of course all that she had taught you. May her teachings continue to make each and everyone of you thrive to be the best you can be god bless.
Sherol
God
Valerie Canfield Gillis says
Dear Michelle & Family,
Your very accomplished Mom has surely earned her
Angel-Wings, many times over… What an amazing woman!
Thinking of you, Michelle, at this time of loss and
wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Remembering your happy laugh, way back in the day.
Recalling how Mlle. Lefèvre/Mme. Holeton
truly, truly loved you to bits… Happy, cherished memories…
Remembering how I secretly idolized your sister, Monica.
(I don’t think she realized!)
Stay strong, Michelle.
Much sympathy & love from your classmate,
Valerie Canfield Gillis
xxoo
art tighe says
sorry for your loss
Joyce Tutt says
Dear Rolanda,
You probably don’t remember me – Joyce Tutt (nee Wagner). We got together a few times when you first came to St. Angela School. I had your mother as a teacher. I fondly remember her as a brilliant, caring and elegant lady. I was unaware but not surprised that she had obtained her PhD.
My condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Terence Josey says
One of my favorite human beings on the planet. I can remember so many times walking from Crestwood to Parkview and She would come to the door so happy to see you. One time in particular as I was coming to the door I heard this music and saw her dancing in the living room. She answered the door dragged me into the living room and we danced to “Love Train” by the O’Jays. This is a fine example that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
My sincere condolences to the family. So people all over the world join hands start a love train. LOVE TRAIN!
Bonnie Mix says
Heartfelt condolences to your family at the loss your dear Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma. I only knew her for a short time, feel lucky to have known the force that is Marianne Miles. Her memory is a blessing.
John Acheson says
To the Miles Family
Upon hearing of the passing of Marianne I was, paradoxically, filled not so much with sorry but with happy and pleasant memories of the great times we had with her and Rollie when we worked together and socialized together. We are richer for having known them and richer because of our mutual friendship. Marianne (and Rollie) were exceptional individuals and exceptional educators and were people of deep faith. We pray for you as you struggle with your loss but know that your memories of her ( and Rolle) will sustain you and that those memories will continue to enrich your lives as you continue on your journey. Peace!
Marlayne Bittner says
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Miles family. Marianne was one of the most beautiful, loving and nurturing woman, we’ve ever known. She gave from her heart, she warmed our souls with her smile and she brightened our days with her love and laughter. She always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. She moved through life with grace, style and humility. She was like a prophet…happy to share her wisdom; inspired us to be better people; accepted us for who we were and brought peace, calm and love to our life. We are so blessed to have known Marianne and so grateful for generosity. God Bless You Marianne and God Bless your beautiful family. Love, Marlayne (Popal) and Von Bittner
Catherine Garvey says
I knew Marianne and Rollie many years ago. Wonderful people. I so admired Marianne’s sense of humor and sincere commitment to her career. She was an honest and very pleasant person, so friendly and
outgoing. Your family can be justifiably proud of her contributions to education and to the community.
Cathy Garvey
Pat Weisgerber says
So sorry to hear about your mom Monica. My thoughts and prayers be with you and your family.
Michael Dobranski says
So sorry you lost your beautiful &wonderful mother she was so nice to all of us growing up in Sherbrooke and I’m sure to all on this planet miss all all of you friend forever Michael Dobranski ak hunski
Grant Cunningham says
So sorry to hear of Marianne’s passing. I met her when I worked with Rollie on the Board of the Edmonton International Baseball Foundation. Marianne & Rollie hosted parties for visiting dignitaries during our International tournaments. Never had as much fun as when I roomed with Rollie on a trip to Amsterdam. May they both REST IN PEACE,
Such wonderful,friendly sincere people. Honored to have known Marianne and Rollie and to be their friend.
Bonnie Haave says
I had the pleasure of working with Marianne at the Psychology Association. She was wonderful to work with – she had two qualities that contributed to psychology and that I admire – the Alberta “we can to that” attitude and common sense. She was admired and respected by everyone.. She had a wonderful sense of humour that made everything better.
She will be remembered fondly.
Bonnie Haave
Jim, Dorothy, Christina and Jamie Battle says
We are so sorry to hear of Marianne’s passing.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose…All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
My Dear Friend you will be missed
God Bless