It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunty and sister, Marie. Born into the Ruddell family on May 14, 1928 in Calgary, Alberta, she moved to Kamloops a short time later. Graduating from Kamloops Secondary school, Marie attended Teachers College in Victoria and held her first teaching job in Chase. She applied for a teaching position in Smithers and taught at Muheim Elementary. While living in Smithers, she met her love and future husband, Lawrence Thistle. They were married for 59 wonderful years and lived in Smithers for 50 of them where they raised their family. She loved teaching, and worked at St. Joseph’s Elementary school and finished her teaching career at Walnut Park Elementary school. Full of energy, mom would often ride her bike to school. While in Smithers, Marie was active in many community groups, the Catholic Women’s League, the Royal Purple and the Arthritis society. She always had a welcoming smile and a helping hand. She volunteered countless hours on numerous committees and held positions on their executives.
Mom loved to garden and planted huge vegetable and flower gardens. She particularly loved her flowers including the many colours of her pansies. She had many friends in the community, and enjoyed line dancing, being on a bowling league, and golfing with friends. Marie was excited by adventure and the world and she and Lawrence travelled extensively, seeing many different countries, and immersing themselves in many cultures. Marie, loved being a Grandma, often spending summers travelling around the provinces to see her grandchildren or having grandchildren spend a couple of weeks visiting. They would be treated to swimming lessons, camping trips, summer activities, stories and of course, being spoiled. All of her children and grandchildren loved her cookies, squares and desserts. Many of them have her recipes and make them for those special holidays!
When Marie and Lawrence moved back to Kamloops in 1999, they lived in Westsyde. Never one to be idle, Marie, continued to be active in her community groups and joined a walking group who hiked all over the hills in Westsyde. Following the passing of her beloved Lawrence in 2010, Marie eventually moved to Kamloops Senior Village. While living there, she continued her interest in volunteering and for a period of time, was the President of the Residents society.
Marie will be deeply missed by her children, Laurie, James ( Francine), Patrick (Anita) Karen ( Bryan). Her 11 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren, numerous Nieces and Nephews and her brother, John Ruddell. She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence, parents, Alice and Harry Ruddell, brothers, Jim, Fred and Terry Ruddell.
Every day, our Mom demonstrated love and thoughtfulness to us all. She had a great sense of humour, loved a good laugh and had a wonderful sense of adventure. While she had high expectations for herself, she had nothing but tolerance, acceptance, and love for her family. We all knew that we were deeply loved. She will be greatly missed.
Friends and family wishing to pay their respects are invited to St John Vianney’s Parish for mass on Friday, February 14 2020 at 11:30 am. Following the service tea will be served at St John Vianney’s hall. There will be a second service in Smithers and internment will follow in the Smithers Cemetery, Smithers BC. in March. Details to be announced at a later date. . In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Royal Inland Hospital, 311 Columbia St Kamloops BC. The family is very grateful for the care and support from the staff at the Kamloops Senior Village, and the staff on 5 North at the Royal Inland Hospital, special thanks to Doctor Gorman for his excellent care and her many friends and community members.
3 Tributes
It is with sadness that I note the passing of a great woman whom I met as a youngster in Smithers BC when she was a young teacher. I was a school child of a farmer who lived on the Riverside Flats. The street where Lawrence and Marie lived was the access point to Riverside Flats. Marie was a faithful buyer every Saturday for 10 lbs of potatoes that we grew on the farm. The 50 cents we got for each bag provided money for our Dohler farm family to buy things like tea, coffee, and fruit we did not grow on the farm. It also provided clothes for school and paid for school entrance fees of $ 4.00 in those days. It is a tribute that a service for Marie will be held in Smithers. All my best wishes to the Thistle family during this difficult time. I have not seen Francine on any recent strata workshops. Perhaps this spring.
Words can not express how saddened I am to hear of Marie’s passing. She was a precious lovely lady and always will be in my heart. I have many fond memories of her that I will forever treasure. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Marie’s family during this tragic time. The angels will take great care of her.
My sons and their families send their heartfelt condolences for the family.
Sending lots of love
My condolences for the loss of such a special person. Marie will always surround you with her love through your memories. My best wishes to all of you.