We Remember
GREEN, Marie (nee Fitzpatrick)
May 18, 1925 — September 29, 2014
On Monday, September 29th our sweet mom passed from this world to the next just after sunrise surrounded by family. She was 89.
She is survived by her five children Greg (Dani) Cowie, Susan (Yogi) Krehbiel, Steven (Sheila) Cowie, Charlotte Levell, and Marilyn (Glen Wood) Green; ten grandchildren; three step grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and five great step grandchildren. What a legacy! She is also survived by brother Hugh (Jacquie) Fitzpatrick and sister Kate (Gordon) Sladen. She was sadly predeceased by parents Bessie and Doc Fitzpatrick (co-founder of McLean and Fitzpatrick Packinghouse), sister Glenda, ex-husband Murray Cowie, and husband Walter Green.
Mom was born and raised in Rutland and trained as a Registered Nurse at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster BC. Mom had a 41 year career as an RN at Kelowna General Hospital in both the Maternity and Emergency wards. She was born to be a nurse, embodying grace, warmth, compassion and an innate ability to calm people in some of life’s most emotional circumstances. She loved her chosen career and thousands of people benefitted from her excellent care over the years.
Mom’s greatest joy came from her family though. We all say that we won the ‘Mom lottery’. She was quite simply the best mother and Nan in the world. Everything we have ever done in our lives has been made easier by her love and support.
Mom was full of life, positivity, and laughter. She met life’s many challenges with strength and optimism, and got up every day looking forward to enjoying what life had to offer. We have a lifetime of memories of our many family gatherings where laughter and love were always first on the menu.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Lakeview Lodge for their tremendous love and caring of mom in the last year of her life. Special thanks and love go to Mom’s honorary daughter, Shirley Fontaine, for being mom’s protective and loving caregiver for the past several years. Special thanks also go to our Aunt Kate for her love, wisdom and presence in this journey we have been on with mom, particularly during the last night of mom’s life.
We are heartbroken to have to say goodbye to our mom, but though she is gone from our sight, she remains forever in our hearts, and we are beyond grateful for the gift she was and is to us.
A celebration of Thanksgiving for mom’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11th at 4:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, mom would be pleased if you made a donation to the BC Children’s Hospital, the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, or to the charity of your choice. 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
Saturday, October 11th at 4:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
The BC Children’s Hospital, the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, or to the charity of your choice.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for GREEN, Marie (nee Fitzpatrick) is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th at 4:00 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:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
I worked with Marie in ER , your loving Mom & person “extraordinaire” when I moved to Kelowna 34 years ago. I have spoken often of her as an example who impressed me. It was saddened to see of her passing. She has left everyone whose life was ever touched by her with an everlasting blessing. What a better world we would have if filled with More Marie’s. no question you won life’s lottery.
Dear Family;
I agree that Marie was a lovely, warm and compassionate woman, always with a cheery disposition; also dressed so lovely.And how she loved her family!
God be with you and strengthen you as you walk through your loss of a beautiful mother. Love, Beryl Baldeo
I had the privilege to work with your Mom for many years in Er at KGH. She was one of the best! Always compassionate, with a Positive attitude, and great clinical skills. Condolences to all your family.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have known Marie all my life as I too was born in Rutland. We didn’t see each other every day or so but she was always the same if we had met yesterday or two years ago. I went to school with her brother Hugh & my older siblings went with or around the time as Marie. She was a very gracious lady as was your grandmother. Live with your happy memories or her, & speak of her often, I find that it helps to do so.Marie will be very much missed.
My condolences to Marie’s family. I did not know her but was a friend and nursing colleague of her sister Kate Sladen.
Kate, your family is blessed to have you during this difficult time because I know how your strength and understanding –and soft kind voice, will help them through even as you grieve too for the loss of your sister. My thoughts are with you, my old friend.
I certainly remember your Mum, Sue and family. She always had a warmth about her, and a smile every time I saw her. She was an attractive woman inside and out. Condolences to you.
Dear Charlotte, sibs and families
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She had such a warm smile and lovely twinkle in her eyes and was always so kind. May her love for you and memories of those special mom moments stay with you and sustain you as you move forward without her daily presence.
Love Deb
The Godfrey family sends their sincere condolences to Marie’s family. Our mom, Gwen, and Marie were grand friends, high school mates,and nursing grads. I always enjoyed visiting your mom, when we came up to visit my parents in Kelowna. I have fond memories of her, holding my babies, sharing stories, and having laughs. She was a true gem. Hugs to you all, and a special hug from Gwen. I feel lucky to have known her..xoxo. Sincerely, Tina Gair……maybe she’s having a drink with Lon, right now.
Dear Kate, Hugh and Marie’s families, please accept my sincere condolences as you bid Marie farewell from her home on earth to her heavenly reward. As a child & young girl I admred Marie, as she was a grown-up!I last saw her in 2003, at the closing of the Rutland Elementary School.She remembered me after many years. May she rest in Peace with her deceased relatives.
My deepest condolences to all Marie’s family.
Her positive attitude was both uplifting and comforting.
I found it a pleasure to visit and enjoyed her conversation and memories.
Ken Greene
(Shirley Fontaine)
Dear Family:
I have nothing but great memories of your grand, mother and all that he was to every and anyone who knew her. She will be trully missed by all. She was the corner stone of the Fitzpatric,Cowie & Green families. To me she was a deep and caring sole who showed great compasion and understanding for me during my struggles with my mother and my own persoanal struggles. I have always had strong love for her in my heart and will continue to do so through the remaining years of my own life. “GOD BLESS YOU AUNT MARIE” and the rest of your lovely family.
Mom thought the world of your mother and what she meant to Uncle Walt. I miss them all and will continue to do so.
Rest in peace my dear sweat Aunt Marie……
Lovingly Bob……
Marie was most glamorous and kind many years ago when I was one of two pig-tailed kids in awe of the newly graduated nurse. Kate and I were quite star struck by her big sister.
I am sure you have many, many memories to share and that they will make the big hole in your lives become a scar, one you touch with tenderness, as you smile at a special picture in your mind.
This world will certainly miss Marie. What a wonderful person and a great neighbor. My condolences to her family.
To the Family of Marie Green – You are an amazing family and Marie was so loved by all of you. While you will miss her dearly, her memories will live on, in the smiles, features and qualities found within all of you!Our heartfelt condolences.
So sorry to hear of my dear friend Marie’s passing. I have very fond memories of our nursing days in Kelowna General on maternity and new born nursery. Your mum a great lady and friend of 65 years.Your mum was there when my children were born and I was there when you were all born, and those are real special times.
Marie’s life painted a beautiful caring and loving life, always near her family and their love and care. Thank you for all that.
Fondest regards Ruth Hay