Marie was born on March 21, 1946, in the Rex Café in Big River, Saskatchewan. She and her mother were the first mother and infant flown from Big River to Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert. After an intermittent 26-year battle with cancer, Marie passed away on October 7, 2026, at the Rose Garden Hospice, surrounded by her family in a room filled with love.

After completing grade 8 at age 16, Marie boarded a bus to Edmonton and never looked back. She worked as a nanny for two families and remained in touch with them until the passing of her employers. She later worked as a cashier for the City of Edmonton.

In 1966, Marie returned to Prince Albert with her infant daughter, Melanie, to begin a new chapter. There she met Julian Panas. Following a whirlwind romance, they married in April 1967, and their second daughter, Tracy, arrived in April 1968.

Family was the most important thing to Marie, and she loved returning home to Big River. One of eight siblings, she shared in plenty of mischief—including the memorable chicken-rustling escapade. Christmases and Easters in Big River became highlights of her daughters’ childhoods.

The family also spent many summers camping, an activity Marie regarded with equal parts love and reluctance. While everyone else sat around the fire in bathing suits, she could often be found bundled in her down-filled parka.

Marie was always learning. She took Chinese cooking, French, and sewing classes, and she tutored adults learning to read and write. In her seventies, she moved to Mitchell Place, became president of the Social Club, and helped transform the culture of the home while making many friends along the way.

Always an adventurer, Marie flew over the Prince Albert Exhibition in an army plane in 2003 and begged to parachute out. To her great disappointment, the crew would not allow it. She finally realized that dream in 2023 when, at age 77, she went skydiving with her friend Doreen. It was the proudest and most exhilarating experience of her life—a memory she cherished until her final days, and the moment she gained her wings.

Marie was never afraid to tell her family to smarten up when they needed to hear it, but she was also their greatest champion. She was a powerful example of a strong, multifaceted, and independent woman—truly one of a kind. Adventurous and unapologetically herself, she lived life on her own terms. She enjoyed her smokes and her drinks, and she always had a sarcastic comment ready to keep everyone on their toes.

Marie was tough, funny, outspoken, and unforgettable. Her personality could fill a room, and her magnetic presence drew people to her wherever she went—even when she simply stepped outside for a smoke. She could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Among Marie’s greatest qualities was her acceptance of others. She met people as they were and where they were, without judgment. Although she had endured difficult times herself, she often said that someone else always had it harder and that we should help however we can.

Marie is survived by her daughters, Melanie Pederson and Tracy Riel; her grandchildren, Chanel Marie Panas, Danielle Dawn Panas (Benji, Luna, and Miss Kitty), Michael Riel (Robin), Julian Riel, and Austin Riel; her great-grandson, Tristyn Alexander Panas Denego; and her siblings, Margarette Piche, Therese Anderson (Ron Clyde), Jim (Sharon) Anderson, Harvey (Idaho) Anderson, and Suzanne (Fred) Bruneau. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as her puppy, Purdy.

Marie was predeceased by her husband, Julian “Sonny” Panas; her parents, Art and Lisette Anderson; her mother-in-law, Jean Panas; her brothers, Lionel Anderson and Fred Anderson; her brother-in-law, Bill Piche; her son-in-law, Roger Riel; her surrogate grandparents, Alice and Buster Beck; and her special friends, Cecile O’Neil and Elaine LaPlante.

In keeping with Marie’s wishes no formal service will be held.  In lieu of other tributes, donations in memory of Marie may be directed to  Rose Garden Hospice, 500 – 38^th St. West,  Prince Albert, SK S6W 0A3 www.rosegardenhospice.ca

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK, 306-763-3322.

• Date : 2026-10-07
• Location : Prince Albert, SK