Marie-Reine Josette Dishaw

Marie-Reine Dishaw, 64, passed peaceful on November 24th in Kelowna after a long, courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Marie was born on May 21st, 1953, in Missillac/Brittany, France. After being married in France, she arrived in Canada in 1979. She showed incredible strength of character, leaving behind her large French family, friends, language, and teaching career to start a new life with her husband in Kelowna. Her commitment to family was everything. In Kelowna, her strength of character persevered when she was part of the team that implemented French Immersion in SD23. After dedicating several years to raising her three children, Marie went back to school to study accounting in English. After achieving her professional accounting designation, and with her youngest still in diapers, she started her new career at an accounting firm and later as a controller at a construction company. Marie never stopped. Around the age of 60, she decided to learn to play the piano and started taking lessons. She wasn’t afraid of a challenge.

Marie had many passions including music, cooking, gardening, and cross-country skiing. When she wasn’t in France singing with her family, you would find her singing in the community choir or at church.

Marie is survived by her husband of over 38 years, Gray, her three children, Morvan, Solenn, Pascal (Amanda), and her two beautiful grandsons, Julien and Olivier. She is also survived by her mother, Josephine, and her siblings, Lucien (Kit), Jean-Claude (Anne), Joel, Monique (Serge), and Patrice (Marie-Reine).

The service will take place on Tuesday, November 28th, 2:30 pm at First Memorial on Sutherland.

In lieu of flowers, enjoy a nice French wine with someone you love or make a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Society. Marie and her family wanted to extend their gratitude to the following: Dr. Jan McIntosh, Dr. Marie Michaud, Dr. Susan Ellard, and the nurses and staff at dialysis and hospice.