Dr. Marian Bernice (Hyatt) Jerry May 20, 1934 - January 13, 2024
Marian was born and raised on a farm in southern Ontario during the depression. Her mother, Mae, was a schoolteacher. Her father, Frank, was a farmer and engineer. Marian attended the University of Western Ontario and was in the second graduating class of the new BScN nursing program in 1960. While working as a nurse at a summer camp, Marian met and fell in love with Martin Jerry a University of Toronto med student. The two married on September 3, 1960 and were together for 63 years until Martin’s death in March of 2023. Marian completed a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Toronto in the mid-1960s. This led to her early work with the Toronto school board, assessing children for learning disabilities. She began doctoral work in NewYork City, but became very ill, and was unable to complete that work. Once Martin finished his PhD., they moved to Montreal in 1971. While in Montreal, Marian worked at the Douglas Hospital where she worked with many pioneering psychologists in Canada. In 1976 the family moved to Calgary. It was her time in Alberta, in which she was the most productive as a professional. She worked with several agencies and organizations in the Calgary area, including the Pastoral Institute, (now Calgary Counselling Centre), Calgary Family Services, and eventually her own private practice. Perhaps the pinnacle of her work was her doctoral dissertation in which she outlined the entire structure of a psychosocial oncology program, which was implemented at the Tom Baker Cancer Center in the mid-1980s. Her work was the groundwork for what became an internationally recognized program for psychosocial care for cancer patients. Marian was a natural psychologist. People were drawn to her and comfortable sharing their struggles with her. She used this presence when she travelled the world with Martin under the World Health Organization flag. She fondly remembered being woken by one of their Himalayan guides at four in the morning with a whispered “come Marian, come and see this”. She described seeing the Himalayas – towering faces of rock glowing pink in the pre-dawn, as one of the best moments of her life. Marian retained her membership in various nursing associations, including the Victorian Order of Nurses, throughout her life as well as licenses to practice as a psychologist in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. Marian and Martin retired to Canmore 1997. They enjoyed hiking and picnics in Banff Park, the Bow Valley and Kananaskis. As their health deteriorated they enjoyed the mountain views, wildlife and wildflowers from the comfort of their home. In her later years Marian would reflect “who knew that a farm girl from Southern Ontario would eventually travel the world?” Marian passed in the presence of family and is now at peace. Marian will be laid to rest in Coleman Alberta, with a view of mountains and the trees. Her life was marked by kindness and desire to help others. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Marian can do so to the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley, bowvalleyshelter.ca www.facebook.com/bowvalleyshelter. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555
