Marie's family and friends will remember her for her spunk, vibrancy, generosity, passion for healthy living, love of music and gardening, and enthusiasm for helping others. Born in Honeymoon, Sask., Marie moved to nearby Prince Albert at an early age where her parents, Mary (Koretz) and John Digneris, raised a family of seven children. Marie married Fred Paziuk and they raised three children. Fred operated the Rose Beverages bottling company and Marie actively participated in its management.

Her beautiful voice and love of singing inspired Marie to become a church choir member. She also undertook regular volunteer work with the Salvation Army. After the death of her husband, Marie embarked on a second career that reflected her desire to help others. She earned a Licenced Practical Nurse diploma at Toronto General Hospital's Nursing College. She assumed nursing duties in Ontario before moving to Kelowna in 1970 to enjoy the climate and pursue her passion for gardening.

In Kelowna, Marie became involved in church and international choirs, and she joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Springfield Road. She often volunteered at Cottonwoods Care Centre to assist seniors. Marie worked as a nurse at Kelowna General Hospital, then devoted her energy to operating a small orchard in Lakeview Heights where she focused on raising walnuts and tree fruits with organic gardening principles. She even hauled seaweed back from her family visits to Vancouver Island to nourish her soil. Marie sold her crops, but her generous nature spurred her to give a lot of fresh and preserved produce to family, friends, church members and casual acquaintances. She also hosted annual Kelowna Garden Club parties in the orchard.

A hard worker who didn't let advancing age interfere with her devotion to gardening, Marie continued to operate her orchard until she was 85, when declining health sent her to hospital and then into nursing home care. The family wishes to thank Spring Valley Care Centre staff for much kindness shown to Marie during her residence there.

Marie's fierce independence, courage, strong convictions, and commitment to hard work helped shape her children's character. Friends and family will miss her spontaneous singing and laughter. She is survived by sisters: Joey Groombridge, Marilyn McTavish and Stephanie Garner, and predeceased by siblings Ann McLean, Kay Heslop, and Bill Digneris. Children: Patricia Mathis, Bernie Paziuk and Penelope Mayoh. Grandchildren: Bernie, Trevor and Amanda Paziuk; Leigh, Michael and Scott Mayoh; and Marla and Zakary Mathis. Great-grandchildren: Zed, Ksenija, Oz and Quintanna Paziuk; Skye, Maya, Siena and Otho Mayoh; and Elliot and Rose Mathis. Nieces: Janis Lauman, Gail Goodbody, Joanne Zamero, Brenda MacNeil and Carol Groombridge.

Burial was at Kelowna Memorial Park on Oct. 23 and a celebration of life is planned for summer 2013. Memories of Marie or family messages may be sent to mariepaziuk@servejet.com. Donations in her memory may be made to Kelowna General Hospital.

• Date : 2012-10-18 06:00:00
• Location : Kelowna, British Columbia