When she grew up in Hertfordshire County, England, Marie would not have imagined where her life would lead. Born to a railwayman with a family of six, she and the other five were to achieve County Scholarships at school.

Although her father played the piano and her mother sang, as did one of her brothers in the St Albans Abbey Choir, Marie did not take an active part in making music.

After World War II she wanted to travel and came to New Zealand, then on to Australia. While in Australia, a girl friend she had met in New Zealand was talking about people who were mutual acquaintances, Allan Jones was mentioned and her friend said "No you haven't met him."

Although this was true Marie had a strong premonition that she would marry this man. A little later she returned to New Zealand where she was introduced to Allan and this premonition did become a reality.

From this time on, her interests have been with her family and the accordion movement in New Zealand. Always providing a supportive home for the musical activities of her husband and children (Harley, Maurice and Heather), she has carried many behind scenes responsibilities for the accordion movement. Among these has been co-ordinating the results at National Competitions, and recording and having them published in various newspapers.

Marie has been the Secretary of the NZAA (New Zealand Accordion Association Inc) since its inception in 1971 and over the years would have been aquainted with most of the accordionists who toured and visited New Zealand. Many committee members would give a strong vote of thanks for her unfailing hospitality at committee meetings held at her home.

Written by Wallace Liggett
Author of The "History of the Accordion in New Zealand"

On 30th October 1981 Marie's husband Allan Jones was awarded posthumously, the CIA Merit Award at the CIA Congress in Kansas City, USA, in "recognition of outstanding services to the accordion movement".

In October 1998 the Jones Family of Allan and Marie Jones, and children Harley, Maurice and Heather were honoured for their international achievements and contribution to the New Zealand entertainment industry. Scroll of Honour.

In October 2003, Marie Jones was the first person awarded the CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award at the CIA Congress in Hungary for her many years of contribution to the accordion in New Zealand in her role as Secretary of the NZAA since 1971 as well as for her work towards national and international events held in New Zealand over many years.