Amongst her successes, Marion McKinley brought mathematics to students in new ways. She was a dedicated teacher known for her fairness and leadership. She put a lot of work into designing, developing and implementing new courses, and provided mathematics programming on videotape for students.
Marion was born in China, where her parents were missionaries. She graduated from the University of Toronto, then taught mathematics and physics at Petrolia H.S. She also taught RCAF men about radar during W.W. II.
Marion loved music–singing with choirs and helping with operetta and musical performances. She also loved to travel, and returned to China late in life.  She was very active in her church and enjoyed flowers and gardening.