(Jessie) Marian Holland
February 25, 1930 - April 14, 2011
It is with heavy hearts but a sense of immense gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our dear Wife, Mom, Grandma & Great- Grandma. Marian is survived by her loving husband of fifty-nine years, Ron, son Kim (Joyce), son Mark (Samantha), daughter Joan (Jack Kirkpatrick), daughter Janice (Blaine Clarke), son Todd (Carol), 14 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Marian is also survived by brothers, Ken (Phyllis) Ridgway, and Glen (Marlene) Ridgway; Aunt Grace Wastradowski; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. Marian is predeceased by her parents Ernest and Jessie Ridgway and brother James Ridgway. Marian was a life-long member of the Avonlea community where she grew up on the family farm southwest of town. She attended Richburg School to grade 8, took grades 9 & 10 by correspondence, and grades 11 & 12 in Avonlea. After high school she attended the Moose Jaw Union Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in 1951. In November 1951 Marian and Ron married and settled into a busy farm life where Marian was a true partner in the farming operation. She also kept busy with gardening, community activities and raising five children. At the same time she continued her nursing career, commuting to the hospital in Moose Jaw while keeping the household organized and running smoothly. Her energy and willingness to take something on seemed boundless. Marian was very involved in her church, teaching Sunday School, leading junior choir, and was a long-standing member of the UCW. She was an active volunteer, serving several terms on the Thunder Creek Home Care Board, the Avonlea Housing Authority, and Drop In Center over many years. Her hands were never still as was demonstrated by numerous hand-made sweaters, afghans, and quilts - one for each grandchild for their high-school graduation. Beyond her many accomplishments, Marian will be remembered by her family and all who knew her as a loving and gracious woman. With her warmth and genuine interest she made each and every one of us feel like we were special to her. She leaves us with many treasured memories. The family would like to extend our deep appreciation to the people at Home Care and Palliative Care who helped with Mom's care during her final months at home. The Funeral Service will be held at the Avonlea United Church on Thursday April 21, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Reverend Marilyn Keerak will officiate. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Avonlea United Church Memorial Fund or the Coteau Range Manor of Avonlea would be deeply appreciated. In living memory of Marian, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Smith-Short Funeral Director