Isabelle Marie Waddell

WADDELL: Marie. Our dear Marie Waddell (September 23, 1937 – July 18, 2021) passed away in Kelowna Hospice House surrounded by her family. Marie will be lovingly remembered by her adoring husband of 60 years, Warren, and her immediate family, son Scott (Jennifer), daughters Loree (Steve), Lynne, son-in-law, Gord, and grandchildren Brandon, Briana, Veronika (Braden), Wyatt, Jacqueline, Landon, Alec; brother Bill (Mary), as well, many loved nieces and nephews, extended family and an abundance of incredible friends.

Marie was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. She moved to San Francisco as a young woman to pursue a career with Western Airlines. Marie and Warren maintained a long-distance romance and when Warren proposed, Marie returned to Regina to marry her love in 1960. They decided to move to Kelowna in 1963 where they raised their 3 children in their family home in Lakeview Heights. Marie was a loving mother and wife, and professionally, she was a caring, capable contributor to School District 23 in her capacity as a school secretary. Marie also had a love of music and taught piano lessons to many neighborhood children, including her children and grandchildren.

Marie's greatest values and passions were her relationships and connections with her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and her many, many friends. She loved spending time playing bridge, getting together for parties and long conversations over the phone with good friends. Her radiant smile, her warmth and laughter always graced these gatherings. Marie enjoyed family times sailing on Okanagan Lake and summer camping trips throughout BC and Canada. She endured family cross-country skiing outings. When Marie and Warren retired, they were fortunate enough to enjoy their shared passion of travel on many wonderful cruises and trips to special destinations around the world. Their favorite of favorites was Maui and they often brought that aloha island spirit home for many family luaus on the deck or in the backyard.

Despite Marie's repeated challenges with cancer, she maintained a spirit of invincible courage and abundant optimism. We have always been so immeasurably grateful to Dr. Scudamore at Vancouver General for performing Marie's life-saving operation 2 years after her first diagnosis in 1986. Marie then became passionate in the creation of the Kelowna chapter of H.O.P.E., a cancer support group whose mission was to help and encourage cancer patients and their loved ones. Marie's loving and caring heart was behind this. Marie was so appreciative for the support from her regional oncologist, Dr. Jim Holmes. Marie, along with 2 other cancer patients, Pat Jaster and Lance Richard gathered together a petition of 7000 names advocating for a centralized Cancer Centre in Kelowna which they presented to the B.C. premier in 1990. The Cancer Centre subsequently opened in Kelowna in 1998.

The annual Terry Fox Run was especially significant to Marie. She recently received honorable recognition of appreciation for 40 years of passionate support, fundraising, and activism echoing Terry's dream of one day finding a cure for cancer.

Over the past year, despite her failing health, Marie was able to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary with Warren and her family. She was also able to share in the joy of the marriage of her first granddaughter, Veronika to Braden.

Marie was always so appreciative for the many wonderful people who contributed with support and encouragement in her life. Along with Dr. McCauley, Dr. Plecash and Dr. Green, there are so many incredible doctors, nurses, care aids, wellness practitioners and friends to thank. We acknowledge each of you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We will treasure our loving memories of a remarkable woman. A radiant light who we will all miss.

Marie’s Celebration of Life will be held at Kelowna Golf and Country Club on Saturday, May 28, 2022, 1-3pm. The family asks to please RSVP to [email protected]

Contributions in Marie's memory to the Terry Fox Foundation would be welcome and appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299