CHAMPION

Marie Elizabeth Champion (née: Read), born March 10th, 1951 in Swift Current, SK, passed away on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK.

She was predeceased by her parents, Don and Jean Read; sister, Margaret Finell; and in-laws, Lawrence and Erie Champion.  Marie is survived by her husband, Roy Champion; brothers, Warren (Bonnie) Read and Glenn Read; brothers-in-law, Mervin (Joanne) Finell and Bruce (Shelley) Champion; special family of Paw Lu Lu and her children Her Kaw Htoo, Paul Ta, Mark Ta and Ethan Ta; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marie was raised in Swift Current and graduated from O.M. Irwin Collegiate in Swift Current; obtained a B.A. from U of A, Edmonton, AB; and obtained a secretarial certificate from Robertson Secretarial School in Saskatoon, SK.  Most of her career was working as a legal secretary in law offices.

Marie met Roy in February 1976.  They were married on December 18, 1976.  Roy’s career with the Royal Bank of Canada saw them transferred seven times, and then finally building their retirement home and one last move to Moose Jaw.

Marie and Roy loved to travel and experience new countries and cultures.  Most of these trips were done with close friends. 

Marie was a member of the Royal Purple and Elks for forty-two years in six different lodges (because of Roy’s work transfers).  Most of those years involved executive positions in the different lodges.  Wherever she lived, Marie loved to sing in choirs.  She joined the Cantabile Connection and Heritage Singers shortly after moving to Moose Jaw.  She found great challenge in the Cantabile and enjoyed the family atmosphere with the Heritage Singers.  She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of her own clothes, bridesmaids’ dresses, dance costumes, and many alterations.  No store-bought top was ever made to her standard, so it got fixed.

After retirement, Marie’s desire to do volunteer work led her to a life-long friendship and mentorship with Paw Lu Lu and her family, to the depth that Paw Lu Lu and her four boys love her as, and call her, grandma.  The love was returned unconditionally.

Marie was passionate about keeping in touch with family, never missing a birthday or anniversary, even if the card sometimes arrived late.  She was very interested in staying connected with extended family across the country, even as far away as New Zealand.

Marie’s was a life well lived in her own quiet way.  She would like to think that she made a difference and left the world a better place.  The ravages of dementia took a lot away, but not her smile.

We cannot say thank you enough to the staff and caregivers at West Park Crossing for the thirteen months of compassionate loving care.  Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital who provided such wonderful care for Marie and her family in November, and again in January on her final journey.  Last but not least, thank you to Dr. R. B. Thorpe.  Marie had so much trust and respect for him, from the breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, to the advice to move to West Park Crossing in 2022.  She praised him at every opportunity and felt very fortunate to be in his care for almost twenty years.

A Celebration of Marie’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s name may be made to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, 2631 28th Ave, Regina, SK S4S 6X3 or Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com