Marian Lynn Persson
February 17th, 2022
Marian Lynn Persson, after a six-month battle with cancer, passed away peacefully in the company of her family on February 17, 2022 at the age of 70. She was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on May 25, 1951. Together with her parents Ron and Bessie and her three siblings, Marian lived in a variety of beautiful locations dependent on Ron’s job with Parks Canada including Banff, Jasper, Prince Albert National Park, and Point Pelee. At the University of Calgary she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and, just prior to her final semester there, during the Christmas season, she married her beloved Arthur, with whom she would spend the next fifty years.
After both Marian and Arthur had completed their degrees in education, they adventurously took teaching positions in Norway House, a small and isolated community in Northern Manitoba. Many are the memories they made during this time, and for those growing up in the Persson-family it was not uncommon to hear stories about Norway House, including tales of late-night skidoo rides, supply shipments across Lake Winnipeg from Westfair foods, and the warmth of the community that helped them survive the remote and sometimes difficult conditions in which they lived.
Upon leaving Norway House, Marian and Arthur spent a couple of years in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan, and then settled into their home on Aberdeen Crescent in Regina, where Marian would live for the rest of her life. Initially, she took a position as a teacher at Grant Road School, and later moved on to teach at Haultain Community School. However, when her first child, Karl, was born, she resigned to become a full-time caregiver for him and (eventually) her three daughters, Karen, Rachel, and Christina. Things were both busy and lively during those early days, as Marian and Arthur, caring for their growing family, were also the primary caregivers for Maggie Wright, Marian’s grandmother-in-law.
As the children grew older and reached school-age, Marian took on the full-time job of homeschooling them from Kindergarten through Grade 12. With four children in all, the Persson-house was a busy place during school, which consisted of a classical education with plenty to occupy the students. As well as teaching core subjects such as reading, writing, science, and math, Marian also took them on field trips, including the memorable yearly trip to the Canadian Western Agribition, where a particular highlight was the International Stock Dog Championship Trials featuring border collies and their handlers herding sheep. She also supported her children as they pursued numerous extracurricular activities including piano, choir, a paper route, ballet, softball, curling, soccer, painting, pottery, and Bible quizzing.
However, not being one to let a little busyness get in the way of service to others, Marian was generous with her time and energy in a way that extended well beyond her immediate family circle. She could often be found helping out with childcare and children’s programs at church. For a number of years she volunteered to canvas for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and other charities. She loved to meet her neighbours that way. Together with Arthur on his guitar, she frequently played the flute for church services and the Cursillo weekends through which they were blessed in the later years of their lives together. And these are merely a few formal examples of the generosity Marian showed to others informally and regularly throughout her life; everyone who knows Marian and her kindness to them knows that she was generous to a fault. To know her, was to love her.
Her generosity was also evident in her relationships with new members of our extended family as the Persson-children got married, and she welcomed their spouses (Meg, Cordel, Steve, and Jason) as though they were her own children. She likewise delighted in her relationships with her grandchildren, and loved swimming in the waves with Andrew at Waskesiu, following Sullivan around on his little adventures, going on walks and playing games with Lexi, and reading books to young Gunnar, attentive beyond his years. She always had a special relationship with children, and was enjoying getting to know her grandchildren as they grew up.
Among her hobbies and interests, three in particular stand out: her love of music, her enjoyment of nature, and her love of reading. Equally at home with hymns, classical music, and folk/Celtic music, she enjoyed playing her flute with Arthur and singing in the Vivace choir. She shared Arthur’s deep love of astronomy and science. She cherished her walks around Aberdeen Crescent throughout all the seasons, and particularly enjoyed the rural beauty of Kelliher, Saskatchewan; natural excursions in Banff and British Columbia; hikes during the family’s yearly visits to beautiful Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park; and walks with Christina’s and Jason’s dog Waffle. With regard to books, she raised her children to be avid bibliophiles, reading to them frequently during lunch-breaks and at bedtime. Arthur and Marian also read books aloud together throughout their whole life and would recommend this practice to any couple as a marriage-building technique. In these later years they read books over the internet to their grandson Andrew. Some of these were recorded as complete books to be discovered by the other grandchildren.
Woven throughout all these interests, talents, and contributions, and underpinning all of them, was Marian’s deep faith. Beginning near the end of her years in university when she committed her life to Christ, Marian’s relationship with God was the rock on which she founded her entire life; from this grew her love for her family and the generosity appreciated by so many of her friends. Her Bibles were worn ragged from constant daily reading, and she loved to pray at meals and in daily devotional times with Arthur. Though she was modest about it and readily knew herself to be merely a sinner saved by the grace of God, her faith was solid, living, and practical, and remains a model for those of us who were blessed by it. Having now achieved the fulfillment of her faith, being united with Christ and other loved-ones in heaven, she would be the first to direct us to turn to Christ during this time of loss as we mourn her passing and honour the beauty of her life.
Those of us who remain in this life – witnesses to the blessing that she was and the fierce and love-filled grief caused by her passing – include her husband Arthur; her children, Karl Persson (wife Meg and son Andrew), Karen Maupin (husband Steve and son Gunnar), Rachel McNab (husband Cordel and children Lexi and Sullivan), and Christina Canfield (husband Jason); her brothers, Ken and Roy; her brother-in-law Steve Thomas (children Chris Thomas and Anne Harding); and her sister-in-law Alison Stickland. She is predeceased by her father Ron, her mother Bessie, her sister Judy Thomas, and her brother-in-law Tom Stickland.
The family welcomes those wishing to Celebrate Marian’s Life and mourn her death to attend her funeral at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Guests are invited either to attend in person or join us via livestream through Zoom; to access the livestream link and password, please email Christopher Reed at christopher.reed@sasktel.net. As a family, we are deeply grateful for all the love and prayers we have received from all of you, and very much appreciate your support during this time.
Throughout her life, Marian loved volunteering at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. In lieu of flowers, please volunteer at Souls Harbour or make donations to support their ministry.
Messages:
Sorry sorry to hear of your loss Art and family. Marion was a gem, a gentle spirit with a big heart. She will be missed and our hearts and prayers are with you. Love to you! Dave and Marion
Dear Arthur, We met in Norway House way back in 1974. My newly wed bride (Bonnie) arrived in Rossville in late August to begin our married life. We're on the way to 50 years, too. Just a wee bit behind you. I was an English Language Arts instructor and you were the Art Teacher who put a sharpened pencil behind each ear to resemble horns. "Scared the kids", I believe you said. Somehow, Bonnie became school secretary for Principal Bill Lavery for much of the school year. Despite our (only) one year stay in NH, our memories are fond and the opportunity to meet with a few former colleagues is never passed-up. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family (extended) at this time. You will celebrate your reunion in a better place and at a better time in the next life. Sincerely, Gary & Bonnie Hornung My
I met Marion at a church in Regina and immediately liked her. The last time I saw her was at The FIELDHOUSE. I remember us discussing how our kids were Doing & how & if they were Following the Lord & the importance of praying for them. What a wonderful summary of your mother’s life u have given of her & what a legacy she has left behind! She must have been so proud of u! “Well done good & faithful servant, Marion!”
Sending my condolences to your Karl and Meg during this difficult time. I pray for you and the rest of the family to have the strength to bear this loss.
Marion was a very genuine, sensitive, caring, selfless, thrifty, and all around lovely, good person. So sorry we missed her funeral because of a missed text message, but Patrick plans on going for coffee with Art whenever he’s feeling up to it. I chose to homeschool my kids in large part because of Marion. You guys are the very first homeschool family that I ever met, and coming from a non-Christian home, the love and commitment that exuded from this woman just blew me away. Our whole family really enjoyed hearing her and Art play music at the church (and not just because I hate the sound of the organ in the morning). I loved how she would randomly show up in the little red dodge van to hand deliver me her little paper shipments of ‘Our Daily Bread’ with a hug and a smile. I loved the sound of her gentle voice and her love for God and her modest mom clothes. I am so, so sorry, but I know that there is a miscarried saint or two in her arms right now and that she’s in very good hands with Our Precious Lord Jesus. May God give you strength to get through the loss of such an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend.
Our deepest sympathies to you Art, Karl, Karen, Rachel, Christine As you share together in the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother, may you also share together in the memories and joy of her life and in the hope of seeing her again. God bless each of you.
I was blessed to meet Marian during our University years when a Regina IVCF group travelled to a Spring Break Work Camp in Alberta. Her beloved Arthur was a part of that group. Marian’s family hosted us in their Calgary home before we travelled on to Rocky Mountain House. I remember her as a kind hearted, gentle soul with a truly beautiful spirit, inhabited by the loving Spirit of Jesus. The example of her remarkable life brings this well known quote to mind, “ Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words when necessary.” Heartfelt condolences and ongoing prayers to Arthur and family as you cherish her memory and grieve her absence.
My deepest condolences to the whole family, Arthur and Rachael. It is so difficult to lose the one your most closest with. Your love for her will help you through the tough times. She is dancing in Heaven and singing praises to the Lord! I saw it in her eyes the love of Jesus as she looked after Sullivan. She smile at him him with the love ❤️ and memory made. I am greatfull to have meet her and as she a kind, loving, caring compationate mom and wife. Who is rejoicing with the Lord now. From myself Elvie and with love from myself & all my children, Daniel, Stephen, Cordel & Aleah and grandchildren. STONECHILD/MCNAB
Rest in peace, our mother Marian. Many people remember Marian for her cheerful volunteerism with Souls Harbour in Regina and few understand how Marian has positively impacted the lives of my brothers (Joh and Manyuon), nieces (Abuk and Alek) and cousin (Rebecca/Amor) whom Marian and Arthur picked up and drove home from the church every Sunday. Amor and the children came to Canada from the refugee camp in Kenya in 2018 and easily made St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church their home and community because of the presence of caring and loving people like Marian, who reach out beyond their personal boundaries to put smiles in others' faces and spread love. With great smiles, cousin Amor and the children felt love and were empowered to help others because they witnessed the cheerful and generous undertaking from Marian and Arthur. They will dearly miss Marian. My own family happens to be among the few people who have travelled with Marian during the last six months of her beautiful and blessed life. A keen learner and a cheerful friend, Marian would easily stand out for my little daughters in the church because they admire pink colours that Marian seemed to have been interested to wear. Marian would greet and smile at the girls and their day was fashioned with love and excitement. My spouse Yar, who works in portering in the hospital, always coincidentally met with Marian and Marian would recognize Yar even in masks and scrubs that make identification difficult. Marian related with people beyond the normal human friendship level. She reminds us of the life of the disciple of Christ whose actions guide other people through their own difficulties. We will all miss her. I am writing this note with tears in my eyes since I cannot attend the funeral because of work commitments and the Canadian workforce system and culture have a screwed meaning of a 'family'. Our two South Sudanese families for whom Marian had positively impacted their lives send our love to Arthur and the children and remember them in our prayers.
Art and family, our deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. May God be your peace and strength at this time.
We are all so saddened to hear of Marion’s passing. I often think about all of you and cherish the memories of the time spent living next door to you. Marion was one of the kindest and most gentle souls I’ve been blessed to meet in my life. My love and prayers for learning to live without her by your sides are with you all as you journey through this most difficult time in your lives. Much love… Brenda, Stephanie and Darren
I had the pleasure of getting to meet Marian when she and Arthur came to Calgary to visit Bessie and stayed with Ken. Marian, Arthur, Ken, and I played music together a number of times. She was a gifted flautist, and a kind, sweet, gentle soul. I remember her with great fondness and am so sorry for her loss. My deepest sympathies to you, Arthur, to her children and grandchildren, and to all the family and friends who loved her.
To my friend Arthur, It is with a heavy heart that I express condolences on behalf of Alana, Lexi and I. Our brief crossing of paths with your beloved Marion left only fond memories. It is truly rare that one would befriend a rose, so delicately beautiful in poise and gesture. I grieve for us all that are left in this ragged world without the strength of heart and the faith that Marion displayed. I however also rejoice her new life, her joyful reunions with past relations and her safe return to our Heavenly Father. Love never fails but endures. Do not remember the wilting of the rose, treasure the memories of happier days, take heart for absence is only temporary. In the stillness of a sunset, in the shade of a tree, in the laugh of your grandchildren, it is there that her spirit will sometimes be. Your friend, Troy.
Dear Persson family, I will remember cousin Marian for the sweet and gentle soul that she was. I know she is at peace. My heart to yours. Maureen and family
I met Marian and Arthur many years ago and I was at their house for bible study and would meet Marian at the grocery store never knowing she was ill. She was such a beautiful soul and I will not forget the friendship I formed with her such a long time ago. She is now rejoicing in her Lord's presence and we have the assurance we will meet again. My sincerest sympathy goes out to you Arthur and to all the children and grandchildren. Thelma Teichroeb
I grew up feeling like a member of the Persson family. Mrs. Persson was always accepting of me and seems to always expect me to be there when I wasn't at school. I'll always remember the family walks around the crescent, and the CBC Sunday night movie with all of you! I may not have seen you much since I move off the crescent, but I think of all of you often. Our thoughts and hearts are with all of you in this difficult time!
To Arthur and your family, so sorry to hear about your loss of your wife and mother, Marion would be the first one to say celebrate my life - I am with Jesus! She is not suffering anymore. May God comfort you and give you Peace that only God can give. Our condolences to you all - David and Sheryl Rosom
Arthur, Karl, Rachel, Christina and Karen and families. Thinking of the absence you will now experience in your lives. You have described it so well in this heartfelt obituary. Like her sister and her mother, Marian was a sweet and gentle person. We didn't see her much over the years but it was clear she was devoted to her family when we saw you at Waskesiu back when everyone was much younger. Our condolences. Lisa writing for George, Marian's cousin.
Art and family: so sorry for your loss. You folks were our back-lane neighbours when we lived on Mckinley, and I also met Art from time to time when I was a school trustee; I remember, too, a presentation made to the Regina Library Board. The saying is "a life well lived", and it may have become a cliche, but it is also deeply true.
Dear Arthur very sorry for your loss I only new both of you a short period of time but it felt a lot longer, she was such a kind and caring person much like yourself. I had the pleasure of helping your son when he was here from Barrys Bay ont. this past summer and could see the similarity to both of you. Take care and drop in when ever you fell up to it. Bill
I have been friends with Karl for 25 years and though it has been a while since I have seen Marion I will always remember her smile. She was so kind and bright. I always felt so welcome in there home. She was a joy and I feel for their family. I know she is sitting with our Lord and experiencing more joy than we can ever imagine and you will see her again one day. God bless you and condolences as you grieve your loss.
A beautiful life, and a loving a giving soul, as read in Marian’s obituary. I did not know Marian very well other than as a fellow alto singer in Vivace. An aura of calm and quietness always seemed to surround her. May your family garner strength together as you remember her life and legacy.
I would like to share our love and gratitude for the opportunity to experience Marion’s faith and kindness as well as prayers with Art and his beloved Marion’s family. May you all enjoy the lasting effects of Marion’s legacy of faith and continued life in Christ. Carin, Ethel and Jamie
Your mom was the most kind soul an angel God gave us here on earth someone who taught and shown us all such unconditional love no matter whom you were she touched the lives of many especially mine to keep my faith strong and to always love no matter what she taught me how to forgive myself and to learn to love and have patience and kindness to have faith when things are not as planned she always loved to play music and sing and the way she invited me over to have lunch and make pizzas and made me feel loved like I was apart of the family she will always and forever hold dear and near in my heart Sending love to all the family and extended and the adopted extras know together she is with us Remember to keep the faith strong and always love
What a beautiful obituary of a life lived to the fullest!! Marian was a special gem of kindness, generosity and LOVE..
Sending our condolences and prayers at this difficult time. We are neighbors on Aberdeen Cres and loved meeting up when out for our walks. Take care.
Karl, Megan, and Andrew, Sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the rest of the family.
Marion was my neighbor at 644 Aberdeen crescent for 10 years. My condolences to the whole family.
I hope you feel my love and thoughts of all as you travel this difficult road
I first met Marion at her parent's home in Calgary. The place was crowded with young people sitting around the table, on chairs, or on the floor enjoying the potluck style meal laid out for them. The friendship and hospitality were rambunctious and infectious. Marion grew to make friendship and hospitality a hallmark of her families' new home with Arthur. Because of this, as she goes to be with her Lord she leaves a big hole in all our lives. We miss you Marion. May you enjoy your new body and fellowship with Jesus and friends.
Dear Art and family. We were so very saddened to hear of your huge loss when Marian passed. We don't know how one goes through such dark and deep waters unless Christ walks beside you. We know words cannot even begin to ease the pain or sorrow. We are praying for you, for strength, for comfort, for an understanding and a knowing that this death is conquered although it must not feel that way many days. God has welcomed her home and one day, as all tears are wiped away, you'll see her again. We can't imagine the grief of the waiting before the reunion but the description of her says that Marian knew her Lord well. Our deepest condolances to you!