Marie Madeleine Nobert

Marie was born on February 28, 1935, in Lafleche, Saskatchewan, the sixth of six children, and was the last surviving sibling. In her early years, she attended a country school called Mount Zion and completed Grade 9.

Grandpa and Grandma Bertrand moved off the family farm when Maynard and Simone (their eldest daughter and her husband) took over the farm after purchasing the land in 1949. Marie and her parents moved to and worked on a dairy farm near Lafleche for two years before moving into the town of Lafleche. Shortly afterward, they moved to Gravelbourg.

Marie’s first job was working with an embalmer, where she stayed during the week and returned home every second weekend. Following that, she worked split shifts at the hospital in Gravelbourg and later became a caregiver, looking after a baby whose mother was ill. After that, she worked as a cashier at Allard’s Locker Plant, where she was in charge of all the fresh food. She loved that job.

Auntie Marie and Uncle Denis met on the mail truck. At that time, it was the main form of transportation between Gravelbourg and Lafleche. Uncle Denis worked in Lafleche. Before long, their friendship blossomed into love, and they were married on July 28, 1953.

Marie and Denis moved to Vancouver, B.C., in 1958. Marie was just 23 years old, and they never looked back. She took whatever work she could find, first in a drugstore, then for a short time at a peach factory. She later worked in the cafeteria at Woodward’s as a waitress while hoping for an opening in the grocery department, but that opportunity never came. She then saw an advertisement for a cashier at Field’s Store, applied, and remained there for 30 years, eventually working her way into management. She looked after scheduling, payroll, and pricing clothing and hardware. She loved her job and put her whole heart into everything she did.

One of Marie’s greatest passions was hockey. Her love of the game began in her teenage years, even before she met Uncle Denis, and it stayed with her throughout her life. The Vancouver Canucks were her favourite team, but she cheered for many others as well. She knew the names of countless players and faithfully kept track of every game with pen and paper, recording the scores and results. When she could no longer do that, she never missed watching a game on television. Heaven forbid you phoned while a hockey game was on—your conversation was sure to be a short one! Her love for the game brought her endless enjoyment and was simply part of who she was.

Marie and Denis purchased their first home in Coquitlam, B.C., in 1959. Although they were not blessed with children, their little white poodle, Fifi, became their family, along with the many nieces and nephews they loved so dearly.

In 1964, they purchased their home on Hatzic Lake, and in 1975 they sold their home in Coquitlam, making Hatzic Lake their full-time home. Auntie and Uncle loved their lakefront property. Many wonderful times were shared there, with countless nieces and nephews learning to water ski and fish at this very special place that we will always cherish. Another favourite adventure was searching for lost coins in the Flintstone Caves in the mountain overlooking the lake. It was such an exciting adventure, not only for me but also for many of the great-nieces and great-nephews. The only way to get there was by boat, which made it even more mysterious!

Early retirement opened the door to a new adventure. They purchased a fifth-wheel trailer and truck and headed south to enjoy the warm winters. In 1985, they purchased a park model home in Golden Vista, Arizona, where they spent six months every winter. Summers were always spent at their beloved home on Hatzic Lake.

In June 2012, they sold their Hatzic Lake home and moved to Chartwell Cedarbrooke Assisted Living. Marie lived there until April 30, 2023, when an unfortunate fall left her needing a higher level of care. She moved to Oxford Senior Care Home on June 14, 2023, where she was lovingly cared for until her peaceful passing on June 26, 2026.

Even during her final years, Auntie’s gentle and caring nature never changed. She always had a smile, never complained, and was quick to reassure the staff not to worry if they were running late. Even while needing full care herself, she was always trying to help others sitting around the table. She touched the hearts of everyone who knew her with her kindness, patience, and quiet strength.

Auntie, thank you for your kindness, your gentle heart, and the love you shared so freely with all of us. You will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Rest in peace until we meet again.