Marion McDermott Obituary

Marion Pamela (Slemon) McDermott, affectionately known as "Marnie" passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 with loving family at her side in her San Antonio home. Marnie was 101.



Marnie was the widow of both Royal Canadian Air Marshal C. Roy Slemon, and U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Robert F. McDermott.



Marnie was born on February 10, 1915 in Enniskillen, Ontario, Canada, one of four children born to Dr. Cyrus and Edith Slemon. Her father was the now mythical country doctor who visited his patients in their homes, traveling by carriage or sled, often with Marnie at his side.



At 19 Marnie married Flight Lieutenant Roy Slemon, an original in the Royal Canadian Air Force who commanded the RCAF Bomber Command 6 Group in World War II, and who subsequently became Chief of the Royal Canadian Air Force in Ottawa. Thereafter, Air Marshal Slemon served as the Canadian Deputy Commander in Chief of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) in Colorado Springs during the cold war, and during his command was credited with averting World War III with the Soviets. As Canada's senior military wife in the United States, Marnie's elegant presence resulted in deep and lasting friendships. After Roy's retirement, the Slemon family remained and shared a wonderful life in Colorado Springs. Roy Slemon died in 1992. Marnie continued to live in their home in Broadmoor Heights, and her loving family gathered there at every possible occasion.



During their time in Colorado Springs, Marnie and Roy Slemon had become friends with General McDermott, when "McD" was the Dean of the USAF Academy. After the death of their beloved spouses, Marnie and McD renewed their friendship, and married in the Academy Chapel on August 6, 1994. Marnie moved to San Antonio with McD who was the CEO of the USAA Insurance Company at the time.

General McDermott died in 2006. Marnie remained in San Antonio among people she had grown to love. She continued to return home to Colorado Springs at every opportunity to spend time with her family and friends.



Marnie shared her warm strength with these two remarkable men of the "Greatest Generation" with elegance, grace, enthusiasm, courage and love. The Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force eloquently summarized Marnie's contributions in a personal letter to her on her 100th birthday:



"I am in awe of the events you have witnessed over your life, particularly having a front row seat with your husband Roy on so many of those events. While the Air Marshal wore the uniform, the power and strength behind the uniform was you. In the many postings across Canada and internationally, you witnessed and made remarkable contributions to his positive influence on such a span of young RCAF officers and men and women. Similarly, as the first Canadian Deputy Commander of NORAD in Colorado Springs, you and the Air Marshal were a team in representing Canada in such an important role. The strength of the alliance dating back to 1957 was forged from the solid foundation that you set."

Marnie is survived by her three children; daughter Patricia and her husband Dr. Richard Heitman, son David Slemon and his wife Charlene, daughter Pamela Marks and her husband Tudor. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Catherine Wilcox, David Fish, David Marks, and Erik Slemon; and five great grandchildren.



Marnie's life was filled with the love and joy of family and dear friends. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her, and she will always be in their hearts.

A memorial service is planned on June 25th at The Broadmoor Community Church at 1:00. A reception will follow at the Cheyenne Mountain Country Club.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a hospice or charity of your choice or to The Broadmoor Community Church.