Obituary of Marian Rae MATKOWSKI

March 27, 1952 – Windsor, Ontario August 25, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta In Loving Memory – Mother / Aunt / Nanny / Friend “Of all the gifts that life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest of them all.” Marian passed away in Calgary after she experienced a serious decline in her health over the last several months. Left to mourn her are her daughters, Loretta (Andy) Del Mul, Sherri (Darry) Midtdal, Dawn (Mike) Peta; Grandchildren, Christina, Cassandra, Lauren, and Alana Del Mul; Ryan and Cole Midtdal; Jasmin (Bryce) Chernecki and Jared Gaehring; Conner, Luke and Ashlyn Peta; Great-Grandson Kaden Del-Mul Smallhorn and Great-Granddaughter Elise Chernecki. She is predeceased by her parents, Leona and Michael Milton; sisters, Joan, Connie and Carol; and her beloved son Walter “Todd” James Matkowski. Marian was born in Windsor, Ontario, and was the youngest of four daughters. In 1974, she moved west to Alberta with her young family and chose to spend the remainder of her life here close to the mountains. Though her life was fraught with challenges and a long battle with mental illness, her family would like her to be remembered as a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Mom (Nanny) did her very best to be all that she needed to be for her family and we are eternally grateful that she shared that spirit with us for as long as she was able. We know that she is finally at peace and unburdened by the weight of the physical and mental challenges that she faced in life. Our lives are richer for having had her in it. We would also like to acknowledge the Letkemann family for helping her along the way in her journey, with special recognition to Peter, Katy (deceased), Paul, Lorraine and Lillian. They welcomed her with open arms and loved her as their own. We’d also like to express our gratitude to our extended family in Windsor, particularly her nieces and nephews, who made a point to stay in touch and provide love and support as needed. A Celebration of Marian’s Life will be held at Galt Museums and Archives (502, 1st Street South, Lethbridge, AB) on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. For those who’d like to honour her memory, it is the family’s wish that donations be made to a mental health organization in her name. In living memory of Marian Matkowski, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 403-256-9575.