Marie Blanche Pisko

The family of Marie Pisko sadly announces her passing on September 5, 2011 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 85 years.  She is lovingly remembered by her children Janice (Tom) Hart, Brenda Pisko and David (Jane) Pisko and her grandchildren Zakary and Benjamin Hart; and John, Hannah and Jacob Pisko.  Marie was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Johnny, and her parents, Katerina (nee Pavka) and John Pacejka. She also leaves to mourn many other family and friends.

Marie was born in Mikulcice, Czechoslovakia and moved with her parents to Botha in 1929.  Her parents farmed with Shorty (Emil) and Gladys Skocdopole and later purchased a farm near Botha.  Marie was an avid reader and wrote poetry at a young age.  She excelled in languages, learning French at school and teaching herself Czech using newspapers sent from the old country.  After graduating from high school in Botha she completed her secretarial diploma at Alberta College in Edmonton and worked for the Government of Alberta, Department of Public Works, in Edmonton until she married Johnny in 1961.  During her time in Edmonton she travelled extensively in Canada and the United States with her best friend, Dorothy Thompson.

Marie married Johnny Pisko on June 24, 1961 in Stettler and purchased the home quarter and Great Bend quarter in 1962.  They moved from the farm and into Delburne in 1998 where she stayed until she became ill in July.

Marie was involved with the Great Bend Ladies Aide, the Delburne Royal Purple and the Catholic Women’s League for many years.  She was a great cook and will be remembered by her children for homemade bread, canned fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jelly and baked goods. She was a devoted correspondent and wrote faithfully several times a year to her friends and family in Canada, the United States and Czechoslovakia.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gregg and Dr. Daniels for their commitment and kind, competent care.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Delburne Catholic Church in Delburne on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association, 204, 2323 -32 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta  T2E 6Z3 or www.diabetes.ca;  Heart & Stroke Foundation, Suite 100, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6 or www.heartandstroke.ab.ca;  or the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta  T2E 2P5 or www.cancer.ca.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family.