Marjorie Anne Klassen

January 25th 1926 - April 12th 2022

Marjorie Anne Klassen: a nurse, gardener, chef, skier, dancer, violinist, mother, wife, beloved friend and beautiful force of life died peacefully in Chilliwack with her six children, and one of her grandchildren, by her side.

A baby of the 1920s, Marje was a city girl who skated outdoors during the long Edmonton winters, played her violin, achieved top grades, and won hearts with her captivating smile and compassionate open beauty. She was especially close to her little brother, Orest, and together they helped their parents, John and Katherine Kruk, run a classic Ukrainian deli and grocery store, Kruk’s Super Foods.

Katherine (Kate) created handmade epicurean delights: Ukrainian sausages, cabbage rolls, and perogies that were consistently sold out. Although money was tight, Kate was a resourceful seamstress, creating hats and fashionable outfits for stylish young Marjorie.

In an era that mainly limited careers for women to three categories, Marje picked the one with the best uniform. After a brief stint at being a secretary, she decided to become a nurse. Marje often recalled her gentle father looking stricken as he walked her into the Edmonton General Hospital lobby for her first interview. He asked her if she really wanted to spend her life around sick and dying people. Where he saw an antiseptic, dispiriting atmosphere, she saw purpose and excitement. …And interns.

Convinced to go on a blind date by a fellow nursing student, Marje met the handsome, idealistic, wisecracking young intern, David Klassen, and fell for him as they walked the hospital grounds on that first date. He earnestly told her of his dream to become a doctor, and Marje was drawn to his easy manner, his shyness and bravado. She loved that he created his own luck—putting himself through medical school, elastic bands holding his shoes together. Despite being a Catholic she was especially thrilled to become part of his large, loving Mennonite family.

Marje and Dave lived a gorgeous, adventurous life together, and built their lovely home in Chilliwack. When Dr. Dave grew restless as a General Practitioner and decided to specialize in otolaryngology, they travelled with a carload of children, Grandma Kate, and a U-Haul to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This was in the early 60s, when you could have nine people in your Chrysler and put the baby in a basket on the floor. They took up skiing in 1966 and it became a lifelong passion. Marje was the most beautiful ski bunny and was crowned the Gourmet Cook of Chilliwack by her many dear friends. This beautiful lady remained in her home right to the end, enjoying her garden, her fireplace, her visiting adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

Marjorie was predeceased by her loving husband, Dr. David Klassen, and is survived by her children: David, Donald (Jazz), Michael, Kathleen (Susan), Lauren, and Judith. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Kenneth, Kristine, Mikhael, and by Michael’s stepson, Jeremy (Bari) and her great grandchildren, Sacha and Sati.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 8909 Mary Street, Chilliwack, B.C. at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 21st, 2022. A reception will follow at the Chilliwack Curling Club, 45550 Spadina Ave, from 3:30 to 5:30.

Facemasks are required at both events.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Chilliwack Hospice Society.