Marie Eileen McCracken
June 11th, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Marie McCracken announces her passing on Friday, June 11, 2021 at the age of 82 years after a short stay at the hospital.
Marie was born in September of 1938 in Lang, Saskatchewan the only child of the late Frieda Blocker. In her early years she lived in Edmonton and Calgary, then moved to Irricana. It was here in her final year of high school where she met a charming young farmer from Saskatchewan. After Marie’s graduation from Kathryn High School, Harold McCracken became her lifelong partner when they were married in November of 1956. The newlyweds moved to their farm at Edgeworth where they lived until 2002 when they moved to Regina.
Marie the city-girl was transformed into a farmer’s wife - gardening, canning, baking bread and pies, raising livestock – she conquered all the tasks that at first seemed so daunting. One of her favourite gifts was her own combine on which she happily spent many dusty harvest days. Marie was involved with many Dummer community projects and with Harold she enjoyed dancing and curling. Marie had a great love of music, learning to play the accordion and piano as a child; as an adult she played the trumpet with the Ogema Community Band.
Marie obtained her realtor’s license in the 1980’s which provided her with a fulfilling career in real estate for twenty years. She took pride in finding the perfect house for each of her clients. Marie enjoyed volunteering with community and youth theatre organizations, sewing costumes and helping backstage.
Marie treasured time with her family and especially valued the role of grandma and great-grandmother; she always made time for each of her grandchildren throughout their lives. Marie was known to generously share her opinions, to tell it like she saw it and always tell you the truth even if you did not want to hear it. You always knew where you stood with her.
Marie is survived by her daughters Bernadette and Valerie (Jeffrey), her son Dana (Char); her nine grandchildren Melissa (Curtis), Shanna-Marie (Jesse), Jarryth (Alin), Kristen (Jeffrey), Tristan (Nicole), Mitchell, Tyson, Tanner and Daniel; her six great-grandchildren Augustus, Ava, Ezra, Braxton, Sterling, and Aurora. Marie was predeceased by her mother Frieda in 1995, her great-grandson Cedric, and experienced the immeasurable loss of her husband Harold in 2007.
A private family interment will be held at the Ogema Cemetery, Ogema, Saskatchewan. A Celebration of Marie’s Life will be announced later in the year.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.
Messages:
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My deepest condolences. I have lots of good memories visiting your mom and dad on the farm when I was young and enjoyed going there. She was always nice to me and she will be missed. As the saying goes, she was a force of nature.
My condolences to all the family with the loss of your Mother, Grandmother & Gr Grandmother. I grew up in a neighboring community Parry. I remember your Mom well, she was always active in the communities. She coached Parry’s girls soft ball team for a number of years. I remember a few times, we would be set up and practicing then all of a sudden we’d see this huge cloud of dust and it would be our coach rolling in. I am grateful for the role she played in shaping so many lives. My Sincere Condolences to all of you.
Val, Bernie, Dana and families, David and I were so sorry to learn of the loss of your mom. She was a force! She always attempted (often unsuccessfully!) to keep us in line at band practice and I loved listening to her on the trumpet. She and your dad were dedicated fans of our curling team and school sports and I know that they were so proud of each of you and the lives you have made. Like my own mother, Marie could sharply express her opinions yet loved to laugh and have fun. I know that she has been taken from you bit by bit over the past few years and that her death is a blessing for her, but it is still difficult to say goodbye to those we love. Please know that others are thinking of you in your sorrow. Cathy
Bernadette, Valerie and Dana. So surprised and sorry to see the news about one of my closest and dear high school friends.. we had many many fun times and memories. I’m sure you knew your mom played the played organ and myself the piano together at the Brethern Church. Your dad and some of his brothers also worked in the winters for my dad, lots of great memories for sure. Cherish your memories. With much love, sincere sympathy and hugs. Betty and Wes
Bernadette, Valerie and Dana we are so sorry to hear about your mom! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Bernie, Valerie and Dana, I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out that your mom had passed. So many memories of us growing up together are running through my mind. Hugs to all of your family.