GRONSDAHL, Marie Joseph (nee Rousell)
1937-2010
…A devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, loyal friend and generous, fun loving woman with a kind and sensitive soul …
Marie was born August 15th 1937 into a family of 12 children in St Mary’s, Newfoundland. She met her beloved husband Mel in Goose Bay, Labrador; they married in Claresholm, Alberta in 1956. The couple were stationed in Canada and abroad, but settled permanently in the Comox Valley in 1965, where Marie worked in the laundry at St. Joseph’s General Hospital for 22 years. Marie loved her immediate and extended family passionately and strived to make others feel special. Always gracious, Marie opened her home and heart to the many people who were invited to share in family celebrations. She loved to laugh and possessed a wonderful sense of “Newfie” humour, which was maintained to the end. Following a courageous battle with cancer, Marie passed away at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in the early hours of August 4th, 2010 Comox, BC.
Those left to mourn her passing are Mel, her loving husband of 54 years, son Gerard and granddaughter Maddison Gronsdahl of Alberta. Daughter, Beverley Byerley (Bernie), grandson Matthew Byerley (Natasha Berthelette), great-granddaughter Jenova Byerley, all from Courtenay and granddaughter, Sarah Byerley-Maekawa (Masaki) of Victoria.
Marie is also survived by many siblings throughout Canada; Annie, Rita, Mary, Robert, Georgina, Peter, Dorothy, Jerry, Marg and Patsy and her dear friend, Belle who encouraged her and was by her side through out her illness. She will be very much missed by her family and many friends.
Evening prayers will be held on Tuesday, August 10th 2010, at 7 PM at the Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation & Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Rd, Courtenay, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1599 Tunner Drive on Wednesday Aug 11, 2010 at 11 AM. A reception will follow the service in the church hall. Should friends wish, donations in Marie's memory to The Sisters of St. Joseph in Haiti, 3377 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ont. M2M 3S4