December 24, 1929 - June 22, 2020
Marie passed away peacefully at home during the night of June 22nd, her "Kellys" close by.
She is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Jutta with husband Len Stein, and by her grandchildren Jessica (Charles) and Eric (Naomi). We share many happy memories of our Mom and Oma, of her creative ideas and loving efforts to make our family strong, and our family occasions brighter: Sunday dinners for the eye and the appetite; artful giftwraps to clothe always thoughtful treasures; awesome Easter baskets to hunt outdoors; sleepovers; hikes and bikes and skis and travels; inflatable alligators; and, the do it yourself waterslide.
Marie had a great thirst for life, with the mental strength and physical energy to pursue it. Her happy early-childhood family was lost to her over the war years in Germany, but she made her way through those lonely and fearful times with imagination and school and work. She found a loving partner in George with whom she shared a capacity to take on risk and adventure during their strong and supportive 63 year marriage. They emigrated to Canada where they built their family, their homes, their business, their lives. As a child Marie read church pamphlets about missionaries in faraway places, so in retirement she and George traveled to destinations including Africa, Australia, and South America. Marie also wasn't afraid to go it alone, and many times took her beloved car along the highways and back roads here and in the US, or flew off for a short solo vacation or shopping trip.
All the places and all the events of her life included good friendships, often continuing with letters and visits over the miles and the years. There were many happy times with their Silver Star ski friends. Marie valued and spoke fondly of her time in the office at A-1, and the people she knew there.
For her last years our family was blessed with Louise Hyatt and Kelly Proctor who, with their team, offered Mom a wonderful and dedicated companionship and care. We thank them. We extend thanks too, to Mom's neighbours and the staff at Coldstream Meadows for many moments of friendship and kindness; and to her medical carers for their consistent compassion.
Marie was laid to rest beside George and their son Robert, in a private graveside service at Vernon's Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
We miss them, all three, and hope that they have found each other.