Marie Camille Harrison
March 3rd, 2021
Marie Camille Harrison
September 26, 1920 – March 3, 2021
Marie Camille Harrison passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in Red Deer, Alberta. Her 100th birthday was celebrated in September 2020.
Known affectionately as “Mimi”, she was born in 1920 in Northern France, Lille region. The youngest of 3 children she was high-spirited, strong willed and defiant in the face of adversity.
She lived through the hardships of the Great Depression and occupation of France during WW2. That is when she met Reginald Harrison, a British soldier with the Grenadier Guards. They were married in 1946 and had two daughters.
After living in France for two decades, they relocated to England in 1963. A devoted wife and mother and hardworking, she met major challenges head on with a “carry on” attitude.
Upon retirement, she travelled far and wide to Canada, France, Italy and Turkey. Also took up Keep Fit and braved swimming lessons.
An avid reader and scrabble player, Mum always found ways of keeping busy.
In 1996, at the age of 76, she entered a new chapter in her life and immigrated to Canada with her family. She embraced the culture and made new friendships. She travelled extensively and had many exciting exploits, from Niagara Falls to Alaska, helicopter and hot air balloon rides.
When questioned about her fearless outlook, she responded: “I may never get the chance to do it again!”
Beloved mother, Edith (Malcolm) and Rita (Eric); proud grandmother of Robert, Adam (Yolanda) and Claire (Tyler). Even prouder great-grandmother of Charlotte, Alexander, Arabelle, Wells and baby Smith.
She will remain forever in our hearts.
Messages:
Mimi left a legacy of kindness and love to the family and friends.She is in a better place.
Every time I sit down to write something here, I just can’t seem to find the words - there are none that seem enough. You are so loved by all of us and especially by your littlest great-grandsons. Gros bisous Mémé xx
We first met Marie when I was working with her daughter Rita in Red Deer, Alberta over years ago and instantly fell in love with her. I picture her sweet smile as I write this, and it makes me smile. Kelly loved to tease her to try and get a reaction from her, and he usually did. Unfortunately we had not seen her very much these past few years and of course never since COVID happened. We will miss her dearly and still cannot believe she is gone. My condolences to Rita and Edith and their families. Our lives were made richer having this family in our lives. Love to you all.
Reading the above brings back my memories of Mimi in the UK. Her strong constitution and can do it attitude. Mimi may have been petite but her upbringing and life experiences clearly lead the way. Mimi had class, always dressed beautifully. When visiting in Canada she sneaked a taste of our cooking just to ensure it was edible. To live to 100 yrs of age Is for me a testament to her character and personal strength. RIP Mimi, au fur et a mesure que vous empruntez votre nouveau chemin, atteignez les etoiles. Annette and Ken xx
C'est avec une grande émotion et une profonde tristesse que j'ai appris par Françoise la disparition de notre Tante Mimi. La dernière fois que je l'ai rencontrée c'était à la communion d'Arnaud avec Tonton Reg et Rita. J'ai eu depuis quelques nouvelles par Françoise. Elle laissera toujours dans mon coeur les souvenirs des jeudis où elle savait si bien nous occuper avec des jeux et des travaux manuels, et aussi des promenades au jardin Vauban, ainsi que des balades à la mer dans la fourgonnette ou le camion conduits par tonton Reg. Je suis heureuse de savoir qu'elle a été si active à la fin d'une vie bien remplie et qu'elle est partie pour un repos céleste si bien entourée des siens. Avec toute mon affection, votre cousine, Michèle Soulier-Weyenbergh