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Inga Marquardt
1930-2011
Inga Dorothea Halldorson was born at home May 16, 1930, delivered by her aunt Zua Smith, to her parents, Gladys and Joe Halldorson. She was welcomed by an older sister, Alice, and her older brother, Norman. She was later joined by younger siblings Joe, Oli and Hazel.
She passed away Feb. 5, 2011 at the age of 80 years.
Inga and her family lived at a homestead northeast of High Prairie, which is where her brother, Norman, in later years lived and raised his family.
Inga went to school in High Prairie and quit in Grade 10 to go to work for Polski’s at the High Prairie Merchantile as a cashier. Inga met Bruce Marquardt when they were in the same grade at Prairie River School in High Prairie. Bruce and Inga were married Nov. 14, 1951 at the United Church in High Prairie. Their attendants were Inga’s cousin, Olive Burback, and her brother, Joe Halldorson, as well as her sister, Hazel Halldorson, serving as flower girl.
Bruce raised Hereford, then Aberdeen Angus cattle, while Inga raised their five children. Alice Faye was born in 1952, named for Bruce’s favourite actress. Sons Reginald in 1954, Murray in 1958, Barry in 1961 and Ronald in 1965, joined the family.
Inga was always busy, staying active with the United Farms Women, and later on in life, playing an instrumental part in the publication of the High Prairie History Book. Inga was also a member of the museum board and an avid league bowler. Bruce and Inga took frequent bus trips to Las Vegas and were rodeo fans.
While at home, Inga was happiest puttering in her huge garden – her pride and joy – which easily fed her children’s families, and kept her four deep freezes filled. On Inga’s table at home, there was always a stack of cookbooks and she always had a recipe or two on the go.
Later in life, Inga and Bruce could be found most summers at the lake lot usually fishing. Watching the Toronto Blue Jays play baseball also became a passion for her, just as much as watching hockey games and, of course, curling on TV. They were the first people in the area to get a satellite dish in 1983 to watch sports.
Inga Marquardt is survived by: her husband of nearly 60 years, Bruce Marquardt; her sisters Alice O’Neill and Hazel (Johnny) Ritchie and brother Oli (Lauretta); and children Faye (Bob) Williscroft, Reg (Joanne) Marquardt; Murray (Sue) Marquardt, Barry (Nancy) Marquardt, and Ron (Sandra) Marquardt; grandchildren Stephen (Darla) Williscroft, Dawn (Joe) McEvoy, Brandi (Jerimiah) Myers; Pam Marquardt, Ryan (Robyn) Marquardt, Lee Marquardt, Amanda Marquardt, Collin Marquardt, Quentin Marquardt, Morgan Marquardt, Kelly Marquardt, Molly Marquardt and Matthew Marquart; and great-grandchildren Blake, Kolby, Nicole and Todd Williscroft; and Jared, Ocean and Roman McEvoy.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Joe and Gladys Halldorson; her brothers Joe (Jean) and Norman (Delphine); nephews Vince O’Neill (Ethel) and Lorne Halldorson.
Alice Cecile Monahan
1935 -2003
Alice Cecile Monahan was born on Sept. 19, 1935 in the family farmhouse south of Lafleshe, Sask. She was the second child of six children born to Rene and Margaret Desanghere.
As Alice grew up, she became a classic tomboy who much preferred doing the outdoor chores and working with machinery. She loved to run outdoors (barefoot, of course), play ball and chase prairie gophers with her older sister Doreen and younger brother George.
When it came time to leave home, Alice decided to be a hairdresser, a trade she worked at for 20 years. In 1956, while working in Calgary, Alice met Roger Monahan on a blind date arranged by some mutual friends. There must have been an instant attraction as they were married on June 15, 1957. Shortly after the wedding, the young couple moved to Edmonton where their first two children, Debbie and Patrick, were born. Shortly after Patrick was born, the couple moved to Cold Lake, Alta., then to Fairview, Alta. in 1963.
During their 13-year stay in Fairview, Dana and Paula were born. In 1976, Alice and Roger moved to High Prairie where they operated the Red Rooster Convenience Store. Here, Alice changed careers and became a store manager.
After 15 years in High Prairie, Alice and Roger moved to Kelowna where they semi-retired. They were on the move again in 1994 when they moved to Lac la Biche. After moving here, Alice helped out at OK Ford and the couple built their dream home at Beaver Lake, where Alice worked tirelessly in her yard, which she loved.
Throughout her life, Alice enjoyed being around people and always had a zest for life. Alice loved to start a good water fight. She loved curling, golfing, sewing, gardening and canning, and playing cards. Her greatest pleasure was being with her grandchildren. When she was with them, her eyes sparkled and she always had a smile. Her pride in her grandchildren's accomplishments was well known. She would brag to anyone who would listen and kept a brag-book of those accomplishments. She had a gift of making people feel special when she spoke to them. Alice always believed in being a part of the community she lived in. She volunteered for many committees in whatever community she lived in and gave tirelessly of her time.
Alice passed away on Tuesday, June 24 at the age of 67 years after a year-long battle with cancer. Alice leaves to mourn: her loving husband of 46 years, Roger; daughter Debbie and husband Garand Jones, grandson Landon and granddaughter Devyn; son Patrick and wife Tammy, and granddaughters Chelsey and Alycia and grandson Justin; daughter Dana; daughter Paula and husband Bill Cowell, granddaughter Billie and grandson Ross; and her special dog Coco. Also left to mourn are her sisters Doreen, Ces, Irene, Blanche and their families.
Alice will always be remembered for her unselfishness, her sympathy and empathy for others, her willingness to always lend a hand, and her love for her family.
The funeral for Alice was held on June 27 at 2 p.m. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Lac la Biche with Father James McHugh officiating. Pallbearers were Garand Jones, Dennis Basarab, Curtis Noel, Garry Pysyk, Bill Cowell and Landon Jones.
Alister Nelson Austad
1928 - 2001
Alister Nelson Austad was born on Aug. 6, 1928 in Lethbridge, Alta. to Henry Nelson (Nels) Austad and Lottie Irene Austad. Alister passed away on Jan. 11, at the age of 72 years, after a very short illness from a stroke and pneumonia. The family moved to the Enilda district in 1932 from Magrath, Alta. The long move was made with team and wagon. They moved to SE 21-74-15-W5 in 1937. Alister was known by the nickname of Bum. He was given this name because when he was little he wandered around the table at mealtime bumming food from everyone at the table. The song "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum" was popular at that time. Bum worked logging in the Chisholm area of Alberta. He spent several years at Uranium City, Sask. driving bus and truck. Several years were spent working at different jobs in the High Prairie area along with farming. As a child, his companion was his dog Nero. Tales of Alister and Nero chasing the chickens and receiving a switching for it were told because the family sold eggs to the store in Enilda for five to seven cents a dozen at that time. Nero didn't appreciate Alister's attempts at playing the mouth organ. When Alister played Nero would put his head in the air and howl. In later years, Alister enjoyed his garden, yard and annual birthday party with his circle of friends who continually checked in on him. Alister is survived by his sister Hazel, of Enilda, brother Norman of Tisdale, Sask. and several nieces and nephews. Alister was predeceased by his father Nels in 1969, mother Lottie in 1972, nephew Roy in 1974, brother Garnet in 1983, niece Hazel in 1985, and nephew Harold in 1995. Alister wished to be cremated and his ashes buried between his parents.
Robert John Allan
?-2008
Robert “Bob” John Allan, originally of Fort Macleod, Alta., passed away Sept. 19, 2008, of cancer, which started in his lungs and became terminal brain cancer. Bob was well-known to many residents of High Prairie over the years, having lived here off and on since 1966. He did many things in High Prairie, including working at the Treasury Branch to being co-owner of Utility Equipment Ltd. with his wife, Mona. He also drove school bus and was a substitute teacher all over the region. Bob left an impression with all who knew him. Bob was known to his friends for his sociable demeanour, his dry humour, and his high intelligence. His students of years past will remember “Mr. A”, the sub who made classes fun for everyone. He ultimately lost his fight to cancer in Calgary, where his son and family, and his brother, sister and many more family members reside. He lived 16 days past his 41st wedding anniversary and 20 days short of his 67 th birthday. He will be missed by all.
Alvin Roy Hubar
1952 -2003
Alvin was born August 19, 1952 in High Prairie to Stella and Peter Hubar. He was raised on the family farm in Sunset House.
Alvin attended school at Sunset House for Grade one to six and continued his school from Grade 7 in Valleyview at Hillside High School, graduating in 1970. At a dance in the fall of 1967, Alvin met the girl who was to be his life long companion and love, Anne Lindsey. This was to not only provide him with a girlfriend, but also with a future career, as soon as Alvin finished high school, he started working as a cat skinner for his future father-in-law, Hugh.
1975 was a big year for Alvin, in April he bought the farm at "Doucette's corner" which eventually became known as "Alvie's corner" and in June of the same year he married Anne. December 7, 1977, the first of their children Aaron Jean was born followed by Deborah Lynne on May 24, 19870, and Kevin Roy on June 10, 1983.
Alvin continued to farm, branching out from grain and seed production to a small cattle herd from which he derived much enjoyment, the cattle being as much pets as a source of income and food. Alvin continued to "cat skin" for many years, but eventually changed over to driving truck, working as an electrical assistant and as a back up delivery person for Aaron in her courier business, keeping busy and filling in the time he wasn't working on the farm.
Alvin had a great love of the outdoors, from his youth on he enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He started trapping weasels and squirrels as a boy and went on to trapping beaver as her grew older. His first Honda trike was paid for with the money from beaver pelt sales. As well as sport fishing, he held a commercial fishing license on Snipe Lake, an activity that was as much or more for the enjoyment as for the financial gain. Alvin enjoyed hunting; he was always after that "trophy" white-tailed deer and last year he got his first elk.
Alvin enjoyed sports, curling in high school, and fastball, where he got the nick name "Laser Beam, " being the only pitcher in Sunset House at that time to pitch a "no-hitter." He enjoyed the rodeo and was a staunch Valleyview Jets fan, hardly ever missing a game. His hockey interests also included the Edmonton Oilers and involved many trips to Edmonton with friends to home games at the Coliseum, the trip to and from being as much fun as the game.
Alvin had a great love of kids and animals, and loved to tease in a gently loving way as many nieces and nephews, children of friends and if they could talk, dogs would tell you.
Alvin was the consummate host, when you were at his place, it was always "have something to eat, "…smoked fish…wild game sausage…kilik sausage, barbecued, fried, roasted and something to drink, a beer, tea, coffee or a pop. And always a joke about something, a good sense of humour. He hardly ever sat still for long, always popping up to get something or standing, leaning on the cupboard, ready to got for something for anyone who might be running low.
Alvin, sometimes gruff on the outside, covering up that he was so soft-hearted on the inside. Always unpretentious and unassuring, he never wanted to be in the limelight, but always was one of the first when anyone needed a hand and was always ready to help someone in need…a good friend and a good neighbor.
Alvin was taken from us in a tragic farm accident on May 30, 2003, leaving behind his wife Anne, daughter Aaron (and her companion Aaron), Debby (and companion Faron), and his son Kevin. Parents Peter and Stella, sister Nancy, Uncle Mike and Aunt Alice and his Aunt Emily. Five sister-in-laws, with whom he struck terror into the heart of many a family gathering, Alister, Ken, Charles, Ernie and Darren. 13 nieces and nephews and many, many friends who grieve his loss.
George Andrews
1919-2008
George Alek Andrews passed away June 18, 2008. George was born March 7, 1919 at Big Prairie to Eugene and Rosalie Andrews. He enlisted in the army in July 1941, but got wounded and was discharged in January 1946. He led an active life until his passing. George leaves to mourn: his brother, Ernie (Beverly); his sisters Marina (Art) and Irene (Charles); his only son, Sammy; as well as many friends, nieces and nephews.
Anna Starko (Slobojan)
1907-2003
Anna Slobojan was born in the Ukraine on Jan. 19, 1907. She immigrated to Canada in 1926. In 1927 she met and married Peter Starko. They made a home together in Smoky Lake, Alta.
They were blessed with two sons, Steve and Mike. In 1930 they moved to Kathleen which is located south of McLennan. It was there that their daughter Katherine was born. In 1939 they moved to Heart River which is located north of High Prairie. They farmed together as a family until 1960. In 1960 Anna and Peter moved into High Prairie.
In 1965 Anna was predeceased by her husband Peter. She continued to live in High Prairie until 1998 when she was moved to Edmonton and lived with her daughter Katherine.
Anna loved gardening and her garden was the envy of all the neighbours. She also loved sewing and playing cards with her many friends. Anna also loved attending church. She had great faith. She left a lasting impact on all those with whom she touched.
Anna passed away on Oct. 3, 2003 at the age of 96 years. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. We will never forget our Baba.
Left to mourn Anna's death are: her children, son Mike (Nancy) Starko and daughter Katherine Starko; son Steve (Jean) Starko; grandchildren David (Judy) Starko, Rose (Donald) Cox and Peter (Joann) Starko; great-grandchildren Elizabeth Starko, Marie Starko, Joey Starko, Anita Starko, Ashley Cox, Devon Cox, Kelsey Cox, Ben Starko, Mandi Starko, Brandi (Norm) Girard, Kristina Starko and Steven Starko; one great-great-grandchild, Nikita Girard; numerous nieces and nephews; and Sylvia Starko, wife of her deceased grandson Stevie Starko, who passed away in 1989.
Anna will be sadly missed by all who loved her.
The funeral for Anna was held on Oct. 8 at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with Rev. Ivan Nykyforuk and Rev. Gary Sedgwick officiating. The eulogist was Roseanne Ochran. Pallbearers were Peter Starko, David Starko, Steven Starko, Ben Starko, Joe Starko and Devon Cox.
Interment followed at St. Vladimir's Cemetery in High Prairie.
Annie Goulet
1900 - 2000
On Nov, 8, 2000 our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend, Annie Goulet, passed away peacefully at the J.B. Wood Nursing Home in High Prairie. Annie was born in Old Kapown on April 10, 1900 to August Carifelle and Caroline Noskey. Annie met and married Theodore Goulet and together they raised 15 children and numerous grandchildren. She was also a wet nurse for two babies. Annie lived most of her life in Salt Prairie. She saw many changes take place and many new people moving to the area. Annie's home was always welcoming anyone stopping in for a chat and a cup of coffee. Annie lived a full and happy life. This was witnessed by the 200-plus family and friends who attended the 100th birthday celebration in April of 2000. She had six generations to her credit. Annie is survived by her children: Isabelle, Henry, Leo (Rosanna, Robert (Mabel), Rumbley (Margie), Alma (Burl), Hilda, Beatrice, Janet and Joyce; and numerous grandchildren, relatives and friends. Annie was predeceased by her parents, August Carifelle and Caroline Noskey; her husband Theodore; children Gertie Nome; Eva Gaibert, Archie Goulet, Leonard Goulet, Roger Goulet; and numerous grandchildren. The funeral was held at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in High Prairie on Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Tony Chakkunga V.C. officiating. The eulogist was Linda McLeod, readers were Lee Willier and Laura Lei Rose, and the cross bearer was Cody Westrand. Pallbearers were Melvin Goulet, Cody Willier, Roger Goulet, Herman Sutherland, Austin Goulet and Colin Chalifoux. Honourary pallbearers were Clint Nichols, Leonard Smith, Lee Gainer, Allen Brown, Don Malinowski and Duane Nichols. Interment followed in the Salt Prairie Settlement Cemetery.
Annie Warner
1927 -2001
On Dec. 1, Annie Warner, of Edmonton, passed away at the age of 74 years.
She is survived by: her loving husband, Herb Marquardt; four sons, Don, Tom, Ron and Ken; two daughters, Shirley and Maggie; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ken and Ben; and two sisters, Betty and Rosetta.
Annie was predeceased by her first husband, Harold, and her son, David.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. at Park Place Funeral Home in Sherwood Park, Alta.
In lieu of floral tributes, donations can be made to the charity of one's choice as an expression of sympathy.
Percy Arlidge
1927-2008
Percy Spencer Arlidge, or “Red” as his friends knew him, was born in Viking, Alta. Feb. 9, 1927, and passed away July 24 in the McLennan Hospital at the age of 81 years. His parents were Audrey Howard Arlidge, born in Meford, Ont. and Mabel Theresa Humel, born in North Dakota, USA. Red’s family moved to High Prairie when he was three. Red attended the West Prairie School until the eighth grade. Early on in his school years when his teacher asked his name he replied, “Sir Percy, Sir Spencer, Sir Arlidge”. Needless to say, he was quickly escorted to the corner and not referred to as “Sir”. After leaving school Red worked for various farmers and companies doing odd jobs including a stint as station assistant at the railroad depot in High Prairie. Red was a talented cat skinner and that’s what brought him to the Grimshaw area in 1953. Coming to Grimshaw for work brought Mary Barhurst and Red together and they stayed together for almost 50 years. Red and Mary started farming together in 1955. Red broke some acres on Mary’s quarter, bought another quarter and later on two quarters to the west and two more to the south. He had to break every acre which was very hard work, especially picking endless amounts of roots and rocks. Mary had 18 head of cattle at a neighbours so when they had enough land ready for pasture and feed they brought the herd home. Red and Mary also raised pigs, chickens, turkeys and had a big garden. Apparently you never ate beef at their place until the later years as the beef was raised to pay bills. The family ate moose meat - the staple of the settlers. Because of the need for wild game it was fortunate that Red was a good hunter. Red enjoyed helping his neighbours. Mary often said he would rather do that than his own work. Red and Emil Penno were instrumental in getting electricity hooked up in their area in 1962. Red liked to tinker and repair. From the time he was a boy, he could weld and do electrical wiring. Most homes and shops built in the neighborhood had Red’s wiring in them. He also liked to do custom combining, whether it was two acres for the Chandlers or 200 acres for Don and Karen. Red recognized the importance of community and volunteered many hours to make it better. He helped to build the old curling rink, the old hall and the new addition to the hall. Red loved to curl and in his latter years at about 75 years of age, his fellow curlers would put chairs at each end of the sheet so he could rest after throwing his rocks. Red never had any children of his own but all of Mary’s grandchildren thought of him as grandpa or as Kari called him “Reddi Boy” because of the porridge he made for them from wheat he grew and ground on the farm. Red would take the children haying, picking berries or mushrooms and especially picking roots and rocks. Wherever they went he’d let them ride in the back of the truck. He leaves to mourn: his brother, Redford and wife Marj of High Prairie; sisters, Ada Foreman of Lacombe, Alta., Lily Kramer of Regina; numerous nieces and nephews and the Barhurst family. Red was predeceased by his longtime partner Mary Barhurst; his mother and father; brothers, Walter and Austin; sister Evelyn; two brother-in-laws and Mary’s grandson, Kendall. It was Red’s wish to live out his years on the farm and thanks to the assistance of Wayne he was able to stay at home living in one of the last original log houses built in the area up until four days before his passing. The funeral for Red Arlidge was held at the Dixonville Community Hall July 29 with Rev. Joanne Kim officiating. The eulogist at the funderal was Brian Allen. Pallbearers were Roy Erickson, Carson Hanson, Stan Cartwright, Randy Yasinski, Andy Tunke and Allen Forman. Interment was at the Central Grove Cemetery.
James Albert Robert Babcock
1949-2009
James Albert Robert Babcock passed away May 24, 2009, at the age of 59 years.
James was born in High Prairie Nov. 26, 1949. He was many things: he was a farmer, hunter, builder, caretaker, and mechanic. He was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and just recently a great-grandfather.
He had a distinctive style. Who will forgot the rolled-up jeans, cowboy boots, the T-shirts that showed off his tattoos and the slicked back hairdo? If he wasn’t smoking a cigarette, he was rolling one.
He and his older sister, Nancy, grew up on the family homestead in Salt Prairie. Their grandparents, William and Phoebe, settled there in the 1920s and out of a family of six siblings it was the younger William (Bill) who stayed and brought home his Dutch war bride, Mary, to make a life in Salt Prairie and raise their children.
James married young and had two children: James Jr. and Apryl. He married again to Agnes and they have been together over 35 years. Early on they lived in Edmonton; however, they eventually came back to Salt Prairie not long after their son, Virgil, was born. They raised both boys - Virgil and his older half-brother Leslie - while James worked for Alberta Vocational Centre, now Northern Lakes College. Always keeping a close relationship with Virgil, James stayed in Salt Prairie for the next many years only taking one big trip in 1989 to Holland with his mother, father and daughter to meet his family there.
James was a fairly quiet man but very friendly and well-respected in both Salt Prairie and at the college in Grouard. He was there for over 30 years and took great pride in his work.
James also loved being on the land and working with his father. He loved and looked up to his father and followed in his footsteps in many ways. He was a good son, loyal and caring. In his father’s final days in 2007 James maintained a constant bedside vigil with him.
James was also a good friend. He had a few close friends who he had known for years. He and his friend, Joe Badger, were like brothers. James liked to visit with friends, co-workers, and neighbours and he was always there for family holidays and gatherings.
James spent a lot of his time outdoors whether tending the fields or fixing things in the yard or out for a few days on a hunting trip. James had one of the best moose calls in the country and he could take care of himself in the bush. He was also good with his hands and he built and helped his father build many things including two houses, numerous sheds and cabins and a small sawmill. He could also fix farm machinery and seemed to be always working on either his vehicles or Virgil’s.
James suffered with painful back problems in the last couple of years yet he always maintained his sense of responsibility to his home, his job, and his family. The day before he died he was out all day gathering and chopping wood.
The family knows he was thinking of us and trying to take care of and protect us as much as he could right until the end. The family also knows that he is at peace now, he is with his father, and he knows how important he was to us and how greatly he will be missed.
James is survived by: his wife, Agnes; his mother, Mary; his son, Virgil (Carla) and their children, Virgil Jr, Tristan and Lenae; his son, James (Jamie) and their daughter, Rachael, and sons Robin and Peter; his daughter, Apryl (Lorne) and her children, Meghan and Aldrin; his stepson Leslie (Gina) and their children, Ashley, Scott and Joseph; his great-granddaughter Kalie Jade; his sister, Nancy, and her children, Kristel (Flarry) and Valene (Jamie) and their children.
James is predeceased by: his father William; both sets of his grandparents, and his brother-in-law, Ron.
The family finds great comfort that James was a respected coworker and friend to many.
Maria Helena Babcock (Ridderhof)
1923-2009
Note: the following obituary is published as told by granddaughter Kristel Laderoute.
Maria Helena Babcock was born into a family of 12 in Enschede, Holland June 4, 1923.
At the tender age of 22 she met a man who would prove to be the love of her life, William Babcock. Bill, as most knew him, was stationed in Holland for some time before the end of the war. Maria lived down the street from where Bill was staying so each day he would sneak a peek at this beautiful young woman as he was out hanging his laundry. From the very first time he saw her he told his friends, “That one is mine!”
It took very little time for the two to arrange to meet and realize they were destined to be together. They danced their way through every dance hall they could find. So much dancing, in fact, that Bill had to have his shoes resoled several times.
Then it came time for Bill to return to his home in Canada. Not able to bear the thought of living without one another, William and Maria decided to get married. On Dec. 22, 1945 they said their vows to love and honour one another.
Bill returned to Canada to prepare a home for Maria’s arrival and while doing so almost cut off his own leg with an axe. Limping to Edmonton, he went to welcome his new bride home. The couple started with a very modest shack in Salt Prairie where Bill’s family had a homestead. In November 1947 they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Nancy, and one year later almost to the day they welcomed their son, James.
The couple raised their children in Salt Prairie where they farmed. When faced with the opportunity to raise James’ two oldest children, James Jr. and Apryl, they opened their arms and their home to them and adopted them as their own. They continued to farm with the help of their son, James, and son-in-law Ron Fisher.
As more grandchildren started to arrive, the family traditions began to fall into place. Things like every Friday night the entire family would get together to eat supper and watch Dallas at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Grandma would make us all a special treat like her lemon poppyseed cake or chocolate cake with buttercream icing. Every holiday was celebrated around an enormous table filled with Grandma’s delicious cooking and dessert treats. She was never afraid to experiment with her cooking and often surprised us with a new dish.
Everyone was always welcome in her kitchen. Everyday at same time you would find her sitting with one leg tucked under her bottom at the end of the table peeling potatoes. I remember the smell of her fried chicken bubbling in the pan and wondering how she made it taste so good. How she used to make huge batches of bread by hand and let us help her punch it down. When it came time to actually eat, if we were old enough, we were taught how to set the table, properly I might add or she would fix it.
As the years went on our weekly family gatherings switched to Sundays instead of Fridays and everyone would show up for supper and visit until it was time to get the kids to bed. These were such special gatherings. Not only did we get to spend time with our cousins but we got to listen to Grandpa’s stories and visit with Grandma while she cooked and as we helped with the dishes. I think we all took for granted how lucky we were to have such a close family.
In 2005 it became apparent that Bill and Mary should be closer to town and the hospitals. They moved into Pleasantview Lodge where they had the chance to reconnect with several old friends. They enjoyed their time with family and friends who visited. Maria especially enjoyed children.
In July 2007 Bill passed away after a lengthy health battle, leaving Maria on her own for the first time in almost 62 years. It suddenly became very clear how much Bill had done for her during their time at the lodge. Maria’s health began to deteriorate and she ended up in the hospital. After several tests doctors found a large cyst that needed to be removed. After its removal, Maria never quite fully recovered.
On Sept. 20th, 2009, Maria went to reunite with her beloved husband with her daughter Nancy and granddaughter Kristel at her side.
Maria is predeceased by her parents, husband Bill, son James, son-in-law Ron and many siblings in Holland.
She leaves behind her daughter Nancy, adopted children James (Jamie) and Apryl (Lorne), four grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great -great-granddaughter.
