Marnie Andersen (nee Kellam) died peacefully on Oct 30, 2015 at Mountain Lake Seniors Community in Nelson, BC. With her three daughters lovingly at her side, Marnie passed gently, bringing an end to her brave journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
The eldest of three children born to Elmo and Dorothy Kellam, Marnie related many happy childhood memories shared with sister Penny (Barr) and brother Gary (Kellam), first in Vancouver BC and later in High River AB. Marnie graduated from Calgary General Hospital’s nurses training in 1955, and spent the early years of her career working in Bermuda and Hawaii. Her passion for travel and love of the ocean would ensure that this was just the first of many life adventures for Marnie.
Returning to Canada, Marnie met the love of her life Tage Andersen at a dance one spring evening in Edmonton, AB. Their meeting was to be life changing, as Tage had just immigrated from Denmark and Marnie intended a return to nursing in Hawaii. After a whirlwind courtship, Marnie and Tage married on Sept 5, 1959, enjoying over 48 years together.
Settling their family in St. Albert, AB, Marnie retired from nursing to devote her time to their three daughters. She was a fun loving mother, making many costumes and participating in backyard carnivals. Marnie treasured her three girls who are eternally grateful for her unconditional love.
With her family grown, Marnie’s love of the ocean and passion for women’s history led her to Vancouver Island where she spent an adventurous year interviewing the pioneering women of the island’s west coast. This experience culminated in Marnie’s self-published book titled Women of the West Coast, for which she received Canada’s prestigious Governor General’s award.
Retiring to Sidney-by-the-Sea on Vancouver Island, Marnie and Tage immersed themselves in the local artist community. They enjoyed wonderful friendships and many lovely experiences during their almost 20 years in Sidney. Marnie loved living near the ocean, spending many hours beachcombing and adding to her collection of moon shells.
After Tage’s passing, and with her Alzheimer’s disease advancing, Marnie moved to Nelson, BC to be near her daughter Karen. Marnie had always loved the community of Nelson, having visited many times over the years.
Marnie is survived by her daughters Dana Von Wackerbarth of Slave Lake, AB (son-in-law Ingo, grandchildren Courtney and Nicholas), Elizabeth Lund of Slave Lake, AB (son-in-law Pat, grandchildren Tyler, Kaitlyn, Jillian and Kristen) and Karen Poulin (son-in-law Maurice, grandchildren Brittany and Kyle). Despite our profound sadness, we are grateful that Marnie’s difficult journey has ended so peacefully.
Our family wants to express our heartfelt thanks for the loving care provided by Dr. Janz and the wonderful staff during Marnie’s almost six year stay at Mountain Lakes Seniors Community. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca