It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Marvel Colton, who died on April 29, 2026, at the Bathurst Hospital, surrounded by her family, at the age of 88.
Marvel was born and lived her entire life in Bathurst, New Brunswick. She grew up in a close-knit family in St. Anne, where Sunday dinners and lively sing-alongs with cousins were cherished traditions. She learned to sew and bake from her mother and remained deeply connected to her roots, creating a full and meaningful life centered on family, faith, and community. She graduated from Teacher's College in Fredericton, NB and worked 11 years as an elementary school teacher in Quebec, Miramichi and South Bathurst.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Vincent Colton; her children Kevin (Kristine), Calgary, AB, Paul (Michelle), Antigonish, NS, Krista Dickie (Mike), Quispamsis, NB, and Lisa (Mark), Antigonish, NS; her sister, Bernie Drover; and her in-laws Phyllis Degrace, Brendan and Dorine Colton, and Tony and Georgina Colton. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Samuel, Matthew, Jacob, Ryan, Shaelin, Haley, Raia, Katherine, Adam, and Luke, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ethel and William Degrace; her sisters, Arlene, Joan, and Carmel; her brother, Kevin; her nieces Clara, Sharon, Monique, Natalie, and her nephew, Robert.
Marvel devoted herself wholeheartedly to her home and children and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel supported and loved. With four active children, life was always full. Marvel loved cooking, baking, and sewing, and there was never a shortage of home-cooked meals. When her grandchildren brought freshly picked raspberries, she would often whip up a pie for them while they watched. She took great joy in gathering family and friends, often around the piano for sing-alongs filled with laughter and simple moments that became lasting memories. Marvel had a great sense of humour and was never happier than when her house was full, especially during the holidays, with 20 or more family members and grandchildren sleeping on any spare piece of floor they could find.
Marvel developed many lifelong friendships and treasured time spent with friends over the years. A woman of strong faith and generosity, Marvel volunteered at the hospital for more than 30 years and was a devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League. Her kindness, steady presence, and dedication to others left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at Elhatton Funeral Home Ltd., 187 St. George Street, Bathurst, NB, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 430 St. Peter Avenue, Bathurst, NB, on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Carm Hachey and the staff at Manoir Brise de l’Oasis for their care and compassion, helping Marvel live a happy and fulfilling life to the very end.
In memory of Marvel donations may be made to your favourite charity or cause. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst (www.elhatton.com).
