We Remember
LIGHTBODY, (Cynthia) Marietta (nee Anderson)
—
With sadness we announce that Marietta passed away peacefully, on July 21, in her home, after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Walley, her children, Cathy (Gordon), Michael (Carmen), Sarah, and Peter (Brenda), and her sisters, Genevieve and Cynthia. She will always live in the happy memories of her grandchildren, Emma, Cynthia, Kylee, Robin, Nelsen, James, Jessica, and Sarah-Jo, along with nieces, nephews and extended family.
Marietta was born in Vancouver in 1937 to Catherine and Walter Anderson and grew up in Kelowna. During high school she taught swimming, competed in ornamental swimming, played piano and oboe, and loved Scottish dancing with her friends. She made her own clothes and numerous dresses for sisters and friends. Over her life Marietta produced hundreds of exquisitely knitted or crocheted sweaters, blankets, pillows, and lace trims.
Marietta graduated in Home-Economics at UBC, where she met Walley, a law student, whom she married in 1960, and their love grew deeply. She enjoyed a teaching career, which she gave up to raise her children. For 28 years Marietta and Walley lived on the waterfront of West Vancouver, cultivating long-lasting friendships and hosting parties and Sunday dinners featuring unforgettable gravy and blackberry pie.
In 1994 Marietta convinced Walley to move to her lakeside childhood home in Kelowna. For 15 years Marietta and Walley hosted a Canada Day garden party. They organized an annual tennis and bocce tournament which raised over a half million dollars for the Kelowna Hospital Foundation to which she served as a director from 2000 to 2006. In her work with the Kelowna Heritage Society Marietta was an outspoken activist, and gave tours of the Abbott Street Heritage and Conservation area that she helped establish. For her community work she received in 2010 the distinguished service award from Central Okanagan Heritage Society, and in 2013 the Okanagan Community Builder Award from UBC Okanagan Alumni. Marietta loved politics and was an active supporter of the Federal Liberal Party.
Marietta will be remembered for her quick sense of humour, tremendous personal style, active interest in current issues, and her kindness. A service will be held at First United Church, Kelowna on Friday, August 5 at 3:00 PM. Reception to follow at 2302 Abbott Street. Thank you to all her dear friends for the love you have shown over the past few difficult months. In lieu of flowers donations will be gratefully received by the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Friday, August 5, 2016 at 3:00 PM
Location
First United Church
Share with Others:
In lieu of flowers donations will be gratefully received by the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.
Memorial donations will be gratefully received by the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com
Service Information
Service Details
The service for LIGHTBODY, (Cynthia) Marietta (nee Anderson) is scheduled for Friday, August 5, 2016 at 3:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
First United Church
721 Bernard Ave. Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
In the 1950’s Kelowna was a very small town. The Anderson girls certainly caught the attention of the Shaw sisters who lived close by. Marietta was such a beauty and stood as a role model to my sisters and me. After my parents and my older sister Penney died, I remember Marietta inviting me to one of her Canada Day garden party’s. What a delightful experience that was. I will always remember Marietta and her sisters.
What an amazing woman, never without a smile and always ready to help! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Wally and all of your family. Marietta was a huge part of this community and will be dearly missed!
Brad and Barb Field
Wally, we are so sorry to read that you have lost your wonderful partner.
Sincerely, Lynda and Royal Smith
I have many fond memories of the spirited dorm-mate who enlivened university life for so many of us. Whether we were watching with amazement as she put the finishing touches on her beautiful hand sewen debutante ball gown, or encouraging her to join us in painting slogans on the Fort Camp water towers, we always knew here was a very special girl we enjoyed being close to. How very sorry we are to hear of your loss……we can’t imagine the emptiness you and your family are feeling.
June and Grant Macdonald
Wally, we are saddened to hear that you have lost Marietta.
Sincerely,
Phil and Jill Ferber
I was so sorry to read in today’s paper of Marietta’s passing. I was fortunate to have been able to attend our 50th year school reunion in 2005 and reminisce old times with Marietta and to meet her wonderful husband at their home on Abbott Street. My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With great sadness to hear the Passing of Marietta. My condolences to all the family. Stay strong Genevieve.
I am sorry for your loss Wally, I had no idea whenever I came over to the house.
Sincerely
Gary Bowman
Wally and Family,
With deepest sympathy in this difficult time.
What a beautiful difference one simple life made.
Joan Shemley
Marrietta’s Kelowna Regatta
Water Ballet instructor
Walley and family: On behalf of the board, members and staff of the Central Okanagan Heritage Society we express our sympathies at the passing of Marietta. She was such a bright light- so full of fun. We so appreciated her commitment to all things heritage, following the example set by her father.
Walley and families,
Our sincerest heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The memories are forever.
What a smile.
Wally,I am so very sad you must now endure the loss of your loving and caring life long partner. Marietta was always cheerful and positive on every encounter I had with her. She inspired me in my approach towards others ,especially when it came to giving back to this community.
Walley and Family,
So many wonderful years, so many fond memories. Seal Rock and our boating gatherings will truly miss a very special member of the family. Our love to you all. Jeanette and family.
Wally, we are so sad that you have lost your beautiful lovely Marietta.
She will live in our hearts for ever.
Sincerely,
Marie Blazek and family
Wally, we are sad about the loss of your beautiful lovely Marietta.
She will live in our hearts.
Marie Blazek and family
Saddened to learn of Marietta’s passing. So many wonderful memories from KHS and
Isabel MacInnis Residence, 1st year UBC, where we were roommates. She was so vibrant
and her skillful sewing creations whipped up overnight was great to witness.
It was then that the budding romance with a fellow student, Walley, began.
Marietta was so happy and so in love.
How difficult to lose such a wonderful partner, mother,grandmother.
My deepest condolence to you all.
To Wally and family our deep condolences your loss.We remember our neighbors of Eagle Harbor
Walley. I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. May you and your family have the strength and courage to cope, holding fast to your memories of Marietta and all she meant and accomplished. Sincerely, Judi Gerry.
My sincere condolences to Walley and the entire family. Marietta was such a bright, happy and welcoming person with much energy to devote to her favorite causes. She will be missed so much, by so many!
My sincere condolences Walley. I was so saddened to here about Marietta, such a lovely person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Mr Lightbody and family. I am so sorry for your loss and sorry that this condolence is so late. I last spoke with Marietta on my 40th birthday (1991) when I made a few nostalgia calls to people influential in my life. I really enjoyed spending so much time with your kids. I am planning a trip to Kelowna to celebrate my sister Lee’s 70th birthday soon, so I googled you to get a current phone number and saw the obit., My deepest sympathies. Sincerely Nedra.