Marianne Isabelle (McDonald) Carter

Marianne Isabelle Carter passed away 24 July 2019 in the Lacombe Hospital, Lacombe, Alberta at the age of 86 years and 8 months. She was buried 18 August in Valleyview Cemetery, Valleyview AB after a private family service. Marianne was born on 24 November 1932 to Anna E. Lawford and Wilford S. McDonald in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Marianne grew up in Clairmont, then married Aurey Carter in 1952 and together they raised seven children in Valleyview, Alberta.

Marianne was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband of 62 years, Aurey, in 2014; her son Wesley in 1973, her father Wilford in 1988, grandson Owen in 1997 and mother Anna in 2013. She is survived by six children: Stuart (Valerie) of Calgary AB, Patricia (Steve) of Louisville Kentucky, Brian (Barbara) of Kelowna BC, Ken (Olga) of Calgary AB, John (Ramona) of Whitecourt AB and Kandis of Calgary AB; her grandchildren: Courtney (Chris), Colton of Calgary, Nicholas of Mississauga, Vee of Toronto, Craig (Sarah) of Burlington, Emily (Chris) of Hamilton, Briana (Jason), Nolan (Laura), Danica (Zachary) of Edmonton, Carson (Danica) of Victoria, BC, Drew (Alysha) of Vancouver, Zachary (Sierra), Will (Katie), and Liv of Calgary, Jenna and Kaley of Whitecourt, Jesse (Ashley) and Adam of Winnipeg; her six great grandchildren: Sloane, Warner, Elliot, Zachary, James and Michael. Marianne is also survived by her beloved brother Bernie (Eva and their son Toby) in Melbourne Australia and a sister Joan in Calgary; sisters-in-law Maisie (Joe) of Edmonton and Aimee of Grande Prairie; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends Barbara Martineau of Red Deer and Shirley Christiansen of Lacombe.

Marianne spent her lifetime dedicated to her children and working together with Aurey, opening several successful businesses and transitioning in semi-retirement to crop farming in Valleyview AB, then spending winters as “Snow Birds” in Arizona and California where new acquaintances became lifetime friends. She was book-keeper for their businesses, a devoted Mom and homemaker, baker, amazing cook and seamstress all in one. She enjoyed Sunday drives with the family, picnics and sports (especially hockey and curling). She loved flower gardening, birdwatching, cross-stitch, knitting, making jewelry and doing brain-teasing puzzles of all kinds. Marianne, known as Gramma Owl, was active and involved with her children, grandchildren, greatgrands and delighted in having a houseful of family. Marianne was a model mother, capable and kind. We will miss her more than could ever be expressed in written words. We will hold onto the many special times and moments we shared with her. She was courageous, serene and at peace.

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”

-Cardinal Meymillod

Donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in memory of Marianne and her own battle with Cancer.

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