MacLean: Marian Irene, October 3, 1926 – March 9, 2019

Marian was born at Cereal, Alberta October 3, 1926, to Ralph and Ruth (Duffield) Nichols. Being the oldest of six children she was often given the responsibility of watching over her three brothers and two sisters. Life started at the farm at Lanfine before moving to the Magnuson farm east of Cereal.

Marian took Grades 1 and 2 in Lanfine and 2 to 10 in Cereal. The children travelled the 1 mile to school in a 2-wheel cart pulled by Sonny, the Shetland pony. Grade 10 and 11 were completed in Calgary at Crescent Heights High School. While there, she lived with the Fred McBain and Caustens families babysitting for room and board.

Marian first met Delbert when she worked at the theatre in Cereal and Delbert would deliver the projector and movies. For their first date, he asked her to go to the movies with him; one thing led to another and they were soon married in Hanna June 15, 1945. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. A.O. McNeil and witnessed by Mrs. McNeil and Delbert’s sister Donalda Gingles (with baby Lloyd). Their first home was in Calgary where Keith and Carol were born. There were many moves for Marian and she lived and worked in numerous places; Drumheller, where Linda came along, Oyen, Bow Island, and Medicine Hat. Marian was always active in her children’s activities, teaching Sunday School, leading C.G.I.T. and Brownies – even going camping which was not something she liked to do. Sewing and knitting Barbie doll clothes and making plastic canvas crafts and Christmas ornaments were things she enjoyed. There is no count on how many knitted afghans she made for her family. Marian loved being part of many organizations: U.C.W., Women’s Institute, Legion Auxiliary, and she was always willing to take a position on the executive.

Eventually, after Delbert died she retired to the Oyen Lodge where she enjoyed life with family and friends. Marian always made friends wherever she went and she kept in touch with her annual Christmas letters. In July 2018, after a stay in the Oyen hospital, Marian made a reluctant move to Provost Long Term Care where, as always, she quickly made friends and the staff grew to love her during her short time there. Her quick response to the question, “How are you today?” was “As miserable as ever!” with a big smile and a giggle. Playing cards and horse racing were things she enjoyed.

Marian died peacefully March 9 at the age of 92. Marian will forever be remembered and dearly missed by her son Keith (Donna) MacLean; daughters Carol Paulgaard, and Linda (John) Campbell; 13 grandchildren Donna (Gary) Johnston, Darlene Downing, Dwayne (Jacquie) Paulgaard, Diana (Tom) Kroetsch, Terry (Cindy) MacLean, Troy (Sherry) MacLean, Thomas Campbell, and Emma Campbell; 14 great-grandchildren Alyssa (Downing) and Andrew Rab, Chad Downing, Dylan Johnston, Ryan (Kiera) Kroetsch, Brandyn Paulgaard, Alex MacLean, Lauren Kroetsch, Christian MacLean, Dawson Johnston, Brenna Paulgaard, Kaitlyn MacLean, and Conner MacLean; three brothers Pat (Peggy) Nichols, Fred (Rose) Nichols, Ken (Madeline) Nichols; two sisters Margaret (Don) Bamber, and Ruth (Terry) Wilkie; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many extended relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years Delbert MacLean; parents Ralph and Ruth Nichols; in-laws John and Mary MacLean; son-in-law Harold Paulgaard; grandson Glen Paulgaard; brothers and sisters-in-law Floyd MacLean, Mervyn (Jo) MacLean, Jack (Rozzy) MacLean, Wayne (Muriel) MacLean, Geraldine Markle, and Donalda (Bill) Gingles.

Funeral Service was held March 14 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Oyen. Officiating Clergy was Rev. Helen Reed and Bonnie Burke. Marvel Jorgenson was the organist and special music was My Way Is Not His Way by Donna, Darlene, Diana and Alyssa. A tribute was given by the grandchildren. Hymns were How Great Thou Art, What A Friend We Have In Jesus and Just A Closer Walk With Thee.

Pallbearers were Dwayne Paulgaard, Thomas Campbell, Gary Johnston, Terry MacLean, Troy MacLean, and Tom Kroetsch. Honorary Pallbearers were Marian’s family and many friends, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #208 Auxiliary Ladies and the Men.

Memorial tributes may be directed to Oyen & District Health Care Foundation (Bed Fund), Box 150, Oyen, Alberta, T0J 2J0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by Lori Toth in the Oyen Legion Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.