Marie Trew

Marie was predeceased by her adored husband Rodney Trew, her son Randy Trew and his wife Cory, her infant grandson Christopher Ollenberger, her parents Peter and Rose Kehler, her sister Clara Gorsalitz and brother-in-law Harold.

Marie is survived by her family:

Daughters - Jacquie Ollenberger (Randy) and Barbara Liden (Robert)

Grandchildren - Brian Ollenberger (Megan), Bonnie Woolnough (Tim), Charity FullerEvans (Dan), Amber Trew (Taylor), Jordon Liden (Vivian), Wesley Liden (Becky)

Great grandchildren - Connor, Evan, Blake, Graham, Loki, Saxon, Ryyah, Markku and Olivia.

Marie was born in Prelate SK, growing up and graduating high school in Leader SK. At just 17 she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse by attending St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Victoria, graduating in 1949. Returning to Saskatchewan as one of very few Registered Nurses in small Saskatchewan towns, Marie took on huge responsibilities at a young age, including becoming Matron of a hospital at 23.

Marie had first met Rod Trew at a cousin’s wedding in Lemsford SK when she was 16. They met again by chance one evening at a dance after she had returned to Saskatchewan to work as an RN, and from that moment their love story began. They were married on July 4, 1953 and moved immediately to Edmonton where Marie had a job lined up at the Edmonton General Hospital. She continued nursing in Edmonton, where Jacquie and Randy were born in 1954 and 1956. In the spring of 1960 when Marie was already very pregnant with Barbara, Rod and Marie moved their family to Fort Nelson to establish and manage a retail store for a friend. In 1962, in partnership with that same friend, they moved to Hudson’s Hope where the construction of the W.A.C. Bennet dam had begun, to establish Rod’s News and Men’s Wear. They remained in Hudson’s Hope for 34 years, where they immersed themselves in community service, social activities, curling, snowmobiling, boating, music and dancing, lasting friendships and travel.

In 1989 they suffered the devastating loss of their son Randy and his wife Cory in a tragic car accident, leaving behind two little girls who were subsequently raised by Barbara and Rob. In 1991 they sold the store and retired, and in 1996 they moved to Saskatoon to be close to Marie’s mother Rose, who lived to the amazing age of 102. After several heart attacks and a stroke, her beloved Rod passed away in 2001. With her mother and only sister still in Saskatoon, Marie remained there until after they had both passed away.

In 2010, Jacquie and Randy helped her sell her condo in Saskatoon and moved her to Prince George, where she bought herself another condo. With minimal help, and despite multiple health challenges, she was able to live fairly independently, joining two seniors’ centres, playing bridge, travelling, and making many new friends.

Like many seniors, COVID was difficult for Marie. As a very social person, the isolation from her extended family and friends and inability to travel was tough. She had an unlimited phone plan and made good use of it, spending many hours staying in touch with family and maintaining her friendships. Jacquie and Randy are so blessed and thankful to have had her here in Prince George these past 13 years.

Last spring, with her health and her eyesight deteriorating, it was time to sell her condo and move to The Chateau. After just 5 months she was able to move to Gateway Assisted Living where there was the opportunity for more assistance when required. A few weeks ago, we knew she was likely not long for this world. We are thankful for Prince George Hospice and for Dr. Denise McLeod who has looked after mom like she was her own mom.

We know Marie is where she wants to be - in the arms of her Lord, and in the arms of her beloved Rod, her son Randy, her parents Peter and Rose, and her sister Clara. Her daughter Barbara and her granddaughter Bonnie were with her the few days she spent in hospice, and with technology many of us were able to see her, talk with her, and tell her how much we loved her. She passed the morning of March 6th with Barbara by her side. Her wish has always been to be cremated and her ashes to be interred with dad’s, and for that reason we have saved and treasured dad’s ashes for 22 years to make that happen.

Funeral Mass for Marie will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 1:00 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1088 Gillett Street, Prince George, BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society.