Marie Stone

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the passing of Marie Stone on Sunday, Oct 3 with family by her side.  We are sad to say goodbye but are happy that she is free from the constraints of a spent body and a confused mind.

She was born July 9, 1934 and raised in the Emo area, and after marrying Melvin Stone, they lived in such places as Dryden, Ear Falls, and Thunder Bay.  Marie was always family orientated with a priority of raising 2 daughters, Denise and Debbie.  Then working in such places as the Dryden mill, Mel’s Esso, and Bourke’s Drug Mart.  Her main interests were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She spent many hours babysitting and being a fan at any of the kid’s events.  She loved watching Jeff, Greg and Lindsey play hockey and ringette and Lisa Performing in figure skating.  The kids tell numerous stories of her tough exterior and rules, and her abilities to know what they were doing even if they were out of sight.  You did not get away with any crap, but also knew she loved you no matter what.  She was a great cook and loved having family over for meals.  After 50 years she had finally taught Debbie how to make her great gravy.  She was not an outgoing person but thoroughly enjoyed being among a family and friends gathering.  Her motto was “always be prepared for the worst”. Jennifer has said, “if you want to know the worst things that could happen in a situation, just ask Nanna.”  She was never late for an appointment, or at worst be on time.  She strongly urged us to do the same.  On any road trip with us, she had one eye on the route and the other on the gas gauge. We never ran out of gas.

Marie was predeceased by her parents; husband Melvin, daughter Denise and 4 sisters; Vivian McDonald, Lillian McDonald, Betty Brading, Doreen Kanutski; and one brother, Lorne Hodson.   Leaving to mourn is her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Terry Beaulne; her grandchildren; Jeff and Rose Lundmark, Greg and Jennifer Beaulne, Lisa and Jay Brown, and Lindsey David; her great-grandchildren; Liam Beaulne, Evan Beaulne, Jay Brown and Christian Brown, and one sister Elaine Peeters, and also her sister-in-law and brother-in-law whom she considered her sister, Marian and Rick Sinclair.
 
After Melvin passed away, she lived with Terry and Debbie for 13 years, content to be around family and always wanting to help out.  She enjoyed watching her great-grandsons after school, and having supper ready on the table for all of us at 5.  If we tried to clean up and do the dishes, she would say, “you have worked all day, go sit down, this is my job”.  Once the stairs became too much for her and the signs of dementia were becoming obvious, she moved into Hogarth Riverview Manor where she resided for the past 3.5 years.  She appreciated every visit from family and friends.  She loved the Saturday afternoons, when as many of us that could, would gather in the common area to have a meal and visit.   She wasn’t able to participate in the conversation, but loved seeing us all and hearing what everyone was doing.  Words cannot express the appreciation we have for Uncle Rick and Aunt Marian Sinclair for the almost daily visits discussing the good old days and keeping her laughing and happy.

Although she never contracted Covid, she became a victim of it.  The isolation from family and friends took a toll on her mental health and also her physical health.  While she could still wish, her final wish was, that she wanted to die. She was in the last chapter of her life.   After much more deterioration, her final wish was granted.  She was an integral part of our life and she always will be.  We would like to thank the staff of 7 North for the exceptional care they took of her, especially the last couple of years as we knew it, was very challenging at times.  Also thank you to Terri Lynch for being there when we could not.  She loved the time you spent doing her hair and nails, watching cat videos and generally having a good time.

Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held at a later date.