Born on November 23, 1927, in Vancouver and left us to go to a better place on June 21, 2014. Forest View Place in Clearwater is where she resided for the last days of her journey home. The staff did an exceptional job in caring for her when she let them. By this, we mean that Auntie Marie was a fiercely independent woman with a clear opinion and she always spoke with a sense of authority which boded nothing but respect and yielding. Strong and bold are two words that describe her well! A great lady.
Her husband, William “Bill” aka “Uncle Bill” Wilson predeceased her years prior.
Her father was Dick James who resided in Vancouver, until his passing. He was originally from Manitoba and Auntie Marie’s mother was Elsie Welch. Dick’s spouse was Alice James and Elsie’s spouse she did not know. Auntie Marie had a brother by the name of Frank James who is deceased and a step sister by the name of Pat Fenner who currently resides in Burnaby. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In Marie’s younger days, she and Bill were married and decided to take up residence just south of Little Fort on a farm just off the Yellowhead Highway. She remained there even after the passing of her late husband, until failing health forced her to leave.
During their later years on the farm she and Bill invited Brenda Wilson and her husband to come live on the farm. Soon after, along came the first born, Tyler, then, Kaitlin, the next youngest one. Both children have since grown up. Tyler, continues to live there today.
Auntie Marie was very much involved in the local community of Little Fort. Among the many activities with which she busied herself, she was one of the founding women - with Leonna Woodward, Blanch Hansen and Nora Belchem -of the Little Fort Women’s Institute in 1961. As well, she was involved in supporting the activities of the local Brownie and Girl Guide groups. Marie also spent several seasons working at one of the fishing camps in the area, Nehalliston Fishing Camp. Furthermore, she and Bill raised hereford cattle on the farm and, as such, spent time each year to make sure the cattle were being brought to and from their respective rangelands throughout the seasons. Hence, “trucking cattle”, “herding them”, and “cow camps” was a way of life for Auntie Marie. A life she would never have changed for another.
“Thanks Auntie Marie and Uncle Bill for letting me board my horse, Prince there all those years and to be fortunate enough to experience working a farm. Some of my greatest memories.” (Linda Rowan)
At her request, Auntie Marie was cremated. To celebrate and remember Auntie Marie, a burial will take place at Little Fort cemetery at 11 am on Saturday, July 19, 2014. All are welcome to join in coffee and snacks at the Little Fort Hall after the service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.NorthThompsonFuneral.com
Thank you to all of the staff at Forest View Place, along with those that dropped by for a visit to keep Auntie Marie company.
Special thanks to Gladys Rowan for not only bringing Auntie Marie back home where she belongs but most importantly, honouring her and all her wishes. Your selflessness, it is heartfelt!