Obituary of Marie Williams

Marie Linda Williams of New Norway passed away on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the age of 67 years. Marie was born December 15, 1948 to Orville and Amy McClure. She grew up on a farm near Ohaton, and at the age of 6 her world was turned upside down when the family welcomed her little sister Darlene. Marie went to school in Camrose, and following her high school years she entered into a nursing program in Edmonton. After she completed her nursing program she worked at St Mary's Hospital in Camrose for three years. She first met Gene Williams through 4-H club, and they continued to build a relationship as they attended various dances throughout the area. They were married June 13, 1970 and lived at the Battle River Valley where they started their family. Their first child Todd was born in February 1973, before they moved to the main family farm later that year. In January 1974 they welcomed Steven, in September 1976 Timothy, and in November 1977 Sheryne. Marie and Gene ran a dairy and grain farm until 1988. They then switched to a cow/calf and mixed grain operation. Through those years they built cedar window boxes selling them to various greenhouses. In 1991, over beers with a couple neighbors, they decided to build a golf course. They continued to grain farm until 1993 and Marie dedicated herself to the golf course diligently until 2013. Over the years, Marie and Gene welcomed Canada World Youth Students and Viking Cup hockey players into their home. In 2003, they began welcoming their grandchildren, Megan Gene, Evan Steven, Griffin Michael, Morgan Hannah, and Amy Madeline into the family. Marie took great pride in her grandchildren and loved attending all of their activities. Marie and Gene loved to travel and have enjoyed a variety of adventures from Yellowknife to India, and from New Zealand to Mexico. Marie had interests in many areas, which included singing in the church choir or with friends, cross stitching, and socializing with anyone and everybody. Wholeheartedly, she had a passion for gab. In July 2014, Marie was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, but this didn't slow her down. She was more determined to enjoy everything life had to offer, from campfires at the golf course, to traveling and attending her grandchildren's many events. On September 17, 2016 she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and passed away on September 30, 2016 surrounded by her family. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Gene; sons Todd (Mary) of Camrose, Steven (Denise) of New Norway and their children Evan and Morgan, and Timothy of Whitecourt; and daughter Sheryne (Michael) Van Petten of Kelsey and their children Megan, Griffin and Amy; sister Darlene (Gerry) Paine of Busby; brother-in-law Keith (Vi) of Edson; brother-in-law Neal (Yung) of Edmonton; brother-in-law Alick McArthur of Kelsey; sister-in-law Yolande (Roy) Fearon of Camrose; and numerous nieces and nephews. Marie was predeceased by her parents Orville and Amy McClure, father-in-law Harold, mother-in-law Claudia, and sister-in-law Loveigh McArthur. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 from the CityLights Church, Camrose, with Rev. Alan Richards officiating. Interment has taken place in the New Norway Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted the Alberta Cancer Foundation, or to St. Mary's Hospital Palliative Care.