Marian is survived by her children, Steven (Karen), Paul (Louise) and Judi (Richard); grandchildren Sean, Mandy, Andy, Janelle, Jamie, Nicholas, and Peter; great grandchildren Adrian and Logan. She has one sister, Lide who resides in the Netherlands.
Marian was born in Indonesia and spent 5 years of her childhood in a concentration camp during the war. When the war ended, with the aid of the Red Cross, the family made their way over to the Netherlands. Marian lived there until she chose to come to Canada and you could not have asked for a prouder Canadian!
Marian was a very well known horticulturist in Southern Alberta. She gave her knowledge lovingly and in abundance. Whatever you “needed” the plants to do for you, she would find you the perfect fit! It was only last year that Marian decided, at the age of 77, that perhaps it was time to retire from her work as a horticulturist and enjoy her own yard! Marian’s yard, a stunning masterpiece, and enjoyed by so many. People came for the beauty, the knowledge, the peacefulness, the friendship, the resting… Marian’s door was always open to everyone.
Regardless of the challenges she faced in her own lifetime, Marian’s beautiful spirit always won! Her philosophy in life was to work hard, be loving, kind and respectful, volunteer your time and ALWAYS have fun! Marian loved to laugh, to sing and to spread her warm smile to everyone. If you ever passed Marian in her car, you would always see one big dog in the front and another big dog in the back. Marian’s home was a full menagerie of animals over the years.
Her gift of kindness and warmth and acceptance will go on in the hearts of many. In memory of Marian, please go and buy someone some flowers to brighten their day!
Marian’s family would be honoured if you would join us for a “Garden Celebration of Life”. We are hosting an open house on Sunday, August 19th, from 1:00 - 4:00pm at 634 - 15th Street South.
To all the staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit…thank you…for the love, the kindness, the respect, the dignity, the hugs, and the smiles you gave to Marian and to our family. You always knew what each of us needed. There are not enough words to express how grateful we are for the gift of each of you.
Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone 403-381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca
