Marianne Louise Williams
May 11th, 2021
WILLIAMS, Marianne
Marianne Williams (nee Maykut) passed into the arms of our heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta after recently celebrating her 74th birthday.
The loss of her joyful presence is felt by her husband, Milton; their four sons and families; son, James; son, Daniel and wife Maureen; son, Andrew and wife Rachel; son, John and wife Katherine. She is predeceased by her parents and oldest sister, Helen Forest. Left to mourn her loss are siblings, Lou Maykut, Jerry Maykut, Teresa Anderson, Cecilia Zdunich, James Maykut, Barbara Kessi, Frances Maykut, and Joyce Maykut. Marianne loved her grandchildren, Harrison, Emelia, Bria, Eliana, Luke and Owen. She was greatly looking forward to the birth of Daniel and Maureen’s child, Marianne’s seventh grandchild, in July.
Marianne was born in 1947 at the Barrhead Hospital to her parents, Joseph and Lillian Maykut. Her family grew up near Naples, just north of Barrhead. The 9th of 10 children she had a wonderful childhood on the farm. One fond memory of hers, which predated the arrival of TV, was being held by her older brothers and twirling around the kitchen floor on a Saturday night listening to western music on the radio. When TV did arrive, the comedic lines of “Why I oughta...” (The 3 Stooges) and “To the moon Alice” (Jackie Gleason) became permanent fixtures in the crazy and fun filled conversations with her sisters right through adulthood. Many hiking trips to the Rockies with her young family, her sisters, and their youngsters cemented those loving familial bonds.
After finishing school in Barrhead she attended the University of Alberta and completed her Bachelor of Education. Her career as a teacher began at Springfield Elementary school in Peace River, Alberta. She later moved to Red Deer and taught at local schools for the next 34 years, including Central Elementary, Fairview, Normandeau, and G.W. Smith. She was known for her integrity and her courage to speak up for what was right. Marianne is fondly remembered for caring deeply for her students, sharing pies and other treats, and for breastfeeding babies in the parking lot during lunch break before heading back to class.
Marianne met Milton while in Peace River and they began dating after she moved to Red Deer, a few years later. They were married in 1980 and shared life together for over 40 years. She was proud of her family’s Polish heritage, infusing Polish words into daily life, and singing a Polish lullaby to her sons. She never hesitated to remind Milton that his lullabies were not as melodic as hers. She encouraged her sons in all they did and called them to love God with all of their hearts.
In 1981, she was awarded a teacher exchange to Australia and she and Milton were off on their first travel adventure together. Marianne had already been to Iran, Turkey, England, Scotland, and Poland. In later years she visited New Zealand, Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Spain, Cuba, USA, Malta, and most recently Colombia. She and Milton walked everywhere on their trips and Marianne was often striking up conversations with locals about their lives and laughing with them.
Nothing was more important to Marianne than her Catholic faith and her family. Marianne loved her siblings and while she was sick with cancer in recent months she looked forward to a daily rosary call with her sisters. She lived her values in many ways including volunteering at the CWL, St. Vincent de Paul society, parish council, and at the Michener Centre.
Marianne’s Catholic faith animated her whole life as reflected in her family, teaching career and volunteer work. She said that it was her faith and trust in Jesus that sustained her throughout her illness. It surprised no one when she often reminded us, and reminds us now in spirit, of the words of Jesus “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another.” John 13:35
A Funeral Mass for Marianne will be held on Friday, May 21 at her parish at Sacred Heart Church in Red Deer. Because of pandemic restrictions there it will be a Private Mass. Details about a live-stream video will be shared later. Memorial donations can be made to the Cross Cancer Institute, or Marianne’s church community of Sacred Heart Parish in Red Deer 4816 55 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 3V6.
Messages:
I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to you, Milton and sons James,Daniel,Andrew, John and families. I have wonderful memories of Marianne who was always smiling, laughing, helping, hugging, consoling, encouraging and just loving and caring for people - little or big. She was a wonderful colleague who pitched in and played always for the team. She lived her faith and trusted her life and future to Jesus. Blessings to all of you as you grieve the loss of wife, mom, grandmother. Dianne McBeth
Milt, John, Andrew, Daniel, James and families. So sorry to learn about Marianne’s passing. I pray that you will find comfort and peace through your memories of her and in the legacy of grandbabies that she has left behind. Love and prayers to you all.
Milt and family, it is with deep sorrow that we send our condolences. Marianne was a genuine individual with her loving and caring nature, her sense of humour and her open and honest disposition, which all made your interactions with her comforting and pleasurable. May your positive memories sustain you at this time. Our thoughts remain with you.
Milt, John, Andrew, Daniel and James: Ethel and I were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Marianne. I(Jim) had the privilege of working with Marianne in the very early days of Normandeau, where I served my first vice principalship. It was a K-9 and Marianne was one of those kind and accomplished elementary teachers that taught me about elementary education. Ethel worked with Marianne when she joined the Normandeau staff a few years later as an Education Assistant. Marianne was the teacher and person you wanted for your child. She knew and practiced the art and science of good teaching. Marianne cared and nurtured the people around her, of course, including her family at home. Another angel has arrived in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Milt and your sons. You have the support of a large community directing love and compassion your way. Take care.
St Mrs Williams was always kind, warm and welcoming to a young "rogue". Her laugh always made me laugh too, her scoldings were always well earned. She had a great hug that was filled with all her love and I feel very fortunate to have felt the warmth of it. Thank you Mrs Williams for being so kind.
We were so saddened to hear of Marianne’s passing even though we knew she was not well. I very much enjoyed the times we met at church & during our monthly cleaning mornings of the church pews. She lived her life like God intended: Happy, Joyous & Free
To Mrs. Marianne Williams’ family. As a college student, as I took a job as a lunchroom/playground supervisor and was placed in Mrs. W’s classroom. I saw how she treated not only me but especially her students with respect and kindness. I would come to see how rare that was. She said once she learned a lot from the kids. I took that example after I graduated and always treated my students the same way. We can and should continue to learn from each other.
Hey Milt, I’m so sorry to hear of Marianne’s passing. It seems just like yesterday we were back at G. W. Smith. Marianne was a very genuine, kind person with a hilarious sense of humour. She always made me laugh with one of her adventures of teaching stories or the usual day to day trials and tribulations. A true character and one of the good ones. She will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Milton, John,Andrew,Dan, James and families: Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences at this sad time. Our hearts ache with the passing of sweet, wonderful, Marianne. She was an angel on this earth and we feel privileged to have known her. Her memory will live on in every single one of you. She loved you all with everything she had. Know that our thoughts and prayers are always with you, as you journey through your grief.
I had only met Marianne at Sacred Heart but wanted to share how kind she was to our music ministry. So many times she would go out of her way to thank us and that just made me want to do better if I saw she was there. I can only wish she had been my teacher.
Dear Milt, We are so sorry to hear of Marianne's passing. Our sincere sympathies to you and your sons and their families. May your memories of happy times together bring you comfort. Sincerely, Roger and Elaine
We are so sorry to hear of Marianne’s passing. Our sympathies are with you, Milt and the whole family and know that she will be missed by each of you in your own way. Our daughter, Lori , remembers the fun times she and Marianne had teaching together at Normandeau and wishes to send her condolences too. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Treasure those special memories.
Milt, John, Andrew, Daniel, James and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Marianne. I have such wonderful memories of her from my time working with her at Oriole Park School. It was the beginning of my teaching career and she was so supportive and encouraging to me. Her warmth, sense of humour and dedication to students and staff were a true blessing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Take care. Julene and Brian Madill
I am so sorry to hear about Marianne. It was a shock to see her picture in the paper as I didn't know that she had cancer. She was very kind and fun to be with. She helped me out a lot when I first started teaching at Annie L. Gaetz. I always enjoyed our chats and laughs when we met each other along the walking paths as I know she was an avid walker like me. God be with you, as you morn her passing.
Sincere condolences to you, Milton, and your family. Marianne’s kindness, sense of humour and general caring and respect for others has left a lasting impression on all she met. She was a pleasure to be with, and she will be missed by many. Prayers for you, your family and Marianne. RIP
Milton, I am so sorry to hear about Marianne. She will be truly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Elizabeth
Les & I were very upset to hear of Marianne’s untimely passing. I have wonderful memories of Milt and Marianne’s wedding, and of the time we spent teaching at Fairview School. We had many lengthy conversations after school solving problems in the world. One of those got us in trouble with the principal. Marianne was so warm, friendly and down to earth. She was one in a million! We will miss her.
Dear Milton and family, I am so sorry to learn of Marianne's passing. I remember her kind nature and ready smile with fondness. You are all held close in thought and prayer during this difficult time. Paula Lefaivre
Hi Milt, This is Jackie Devey. I received the sad and shocking news about Marianne from Jean Mudd who called me.
Dear Milt Just read about Marianne in the Advocate. I am so sorry for you and your boys. Marianne was such a bubbly fun person. I love the picture you chose of her. She has such a twinkle in her eyes. Would love to chat. Charlene Your partner in crime!
Marianne was very much loved and admired. She cherished her husband, sons and grandchildren. I knew Marianne growing up near Barrhead, Alberta. I was a few years behind her in school. In 2012 Robert and I had a group trip to Cuba with Marianne' and her sisters, Joyce and Franie. This is when we learned how warm, , funny, generous and enthusiastic she was. We are glad we had that special connection and send sincere condolences to all family and friends as we mourn this loss together.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Marianne's passing. I never worked with her but knew her through Milt, who I worked with in Red Deer Public School District. Marianne always had a welcoming smile and it was obvious that she was a loving, considerate wife and mother and teacher. My condolences to Milt and all of the family. My heart aches for you. May you find comfort in the memories you hold of her. Judy
Rest In Peace auntie Marianne. To Milton and the boys,your mother will be missed and the world lost of of her best citizens.
So sorry to hear of Marianne’s passing ...had many good times working at GWSmith with this vibrant, upbeat lovely lady...A rare gem indeed.
We were so sorry to hear of Marianne’s death. She was such a vibrant person and I enjoyed meeting her through Jenny at lunches etc. Dalt remembers her fondly from the singles group many years ago playing volleyball weekly. Our condolences and prayers to you Milt and your family Mary
Marianne was such a wonderful human being. During the years I spent teaching with her at G.W.Smith Elementary school I learned of her many outstanding qualities. She was so full of life, so humorous and joyful, and always caring. She worked hard and stood by her convictions. Marianne loved and was so proud of her family. After school we often shared stories and of course we solved the world’s problems. The world is a far better place for Marianne having been part of it.
Milt and Family, I was so sorry to learn of Marianne's passing. Over the last few months we had so many great visits over the phone. She will be missed by her family and friends. Marianne was an excellent teacher and a special friend to all who had the good fortune to work with her. She was always there for everyone with words of wisdom or just to listen. Her beautiful smile, her wonderful stories and great sense of humour endeared her to so many. I will miss her.
I was deeply saddened to hear that Marianne was not well, and then now to know of her passing. I am so very sad to know this news. Marianne was simply the best all around...wife, mother, grandmother, friend, teacher. She is loved by so many. I send all my love and prayers to Milt, the boys, and extended family. May your soul rest in eternal peace, Marianne. Sincerely, Penny Dymianiw
I am so sorry to hear of Marianne's passing. I had heard from Joyce that she had been diagnosed with Cancer. She had such a fun loving personality and I will always remember the good times we had living together in the apartment on 82nd Avenue in Edmonton with her, Franny & Joyce. Life was way too short for her and may she be at peace. Darlene
Dear Williams Family, I am sorry I am sending my condolences so late! I only heard today of your loss of this beautiful wife, mother, grandmother! I worked with Marianne at Normandeau school as an aide to one of the students in her grade 6 class. What a delightful, fun, loving, caring woman she was! We had such a fun time working together! She had such a sense of humour and when we would see each other over the years, always have a great chat! May she Rest In Peace in Gods arms! She is forever with you in your hearts! ❤️