Mary Anne Dutka

Mary Anne was born August 5, 1932 in Fort Frances to her parents Albert and Angeline Delaurier. She was the eldest of four children.

In her younger years Mary Anne was employed at Bell Canada as an operator then once she married her husband Ed, she became a full time homemaker, devoting her energies to providing a loving home for her two sons and husband. Mary Anne and Ed moved from Fort Frances to Thunder Bay in 1981.

Upon Ed's retirement, in 1988, they moved to Atikokan. Mary Anne worked for many years at the While Otter Motel and since the inception of the family business, Dutka Signs in 1990, she worked as the office manager until her unexpected passing.

Mary Anne was predeceased by her mother in1978, her father in 1990, her brother Romeo in1982, brother-in-law Bill Zdep in 2010 and sister-in-law Betty (Dutka) Main. She will be forever missed by her loving husband, Ed, of 56 years; her sons, Dale (Donna) granddaughter Abbygail of Thunder Bay, and son Alan of Atikokan. She is also survived by her brother James (Sylvia) Delaurier of Prince George, BC., and sister Diane of Airdrie, Alberta and brother-in-law Bill (Gayle) Dutka of Atikokan. She also survived by numerous nieces: Michelle, Nadine, Janice, Lorie, Terry Ann and Tracee; nephews: Rick, Glenn, Barry, Tony, Teddy and their families.

While living in Fort Frances, Mary Anne was a longstanding member of Redwing Rebekah Lodge No. 109. Mary Anne enjoyed the simple pleasures of life such as gardening, sewing, knitting and baking. She especially enjoyed her only granddaughter, Abby. Mary Anne also enjoyed visiting with family and friends and always loved a good cup of tea. Her greatest pride and joy was her family.

Cremation has taken place.

A graveside service to celebrate Mary Anne's life will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances, Ontario. Father Wayne McIntosh will officiate followed by interment in Riverview Cemetery.

The family would like to express their utmost thanks to the kind and compassionate nursing staff of Atikokan General Hospital, especially Dr. Spencer who cared for Mom in her final days.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or charity of your choice in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8