SCHNEIDER, Marie Ann

May 18, 1931 — November 28, 2024

With heavy hearts, the family of our beloved Marie Schneider, affectionately known as “Grams,” sadly announce her passing November 28, 2024, in Kelowna, BC.

Marie, the youngest of five siblings, was born, in Unity, Saskatchewan, May 18, 1931, to John and Josephine Stappler.

Tired of farming, the family packed up in 1935, and moved to Kelowna, B.C. Here Marie spent her formative years building lifelong friendships, marrying and welcomed three children. In 1959, Marie and family moved to Kamloops, BC, where she not only raised a family but worked at the North Kamloops Town Hall and eventually the Kamloops City Hall. She retired in 1973.

By 1980, Marie fulfilled a dream by moving to the lake at Sicamous, B.C. where she was able to fully embrace her love of summer sun, beach, and swimming in the Shuswap Lake. Not one to let her work skills lie dormant, Marie took casual work for the District of Sicamous.

By 1992, Marie was on the move again, moving back to Kelowna to reunite with family and friends from her youth. In the bigger community, many doors opened for Marie and some hidden talents emerged.

She took up lane bowling, curling and quickly found her true calling in her beloved lawn bowling with which she started to compete. Winning her 1st bronze medal in 1999. She went on to receive 3 more bronze and a silver medal but was not satisfied without going for the “Gold”. Marie competed in BC Games, BC Blind Sports, BC Disability Games, BC Provincial Lawn Bowl and finally getting her gold at the CBSA National Lawn Bowl — Canada Blind Sports.

When not travelling to the beaches of Mexico, she volunteered her time to the White Cane Club (OVIS) and the CNIB which kept her busy. Marie was recognized for her ‘Lifelong Commitment’.

This past summer, Marie’s 93rd, she continued her adventures including riding on a Harley-Davidson MC and numerous outings to the lake where you could find her floating and sporting a world-class smile. Driven to be a free spirit, she was up to the challenge whenever an opportunity for adventure arose. Her willingness to embrace life was an inspiration to everyone she met.

Initiating many of Marie’s final year of activities was her Care Companion, Cynthia Gibson, who we would like to send a very special thank you for making Marie’s last summer so spectacular.

Family was of the utmost importance to Marie, and she showered all of us with endless love. She will be sorely missed and forever cherished.

Marie is survived by her children: Mark (Nancy), Lori (Chris), Patti (Aldo); her grandchildren: Brianne, Rylan (Megan), Sean (Lindsay), Cassie (Phil); and great-grandson Kaden.

Marie’s legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In honour of her favourite season, a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2025.

Rest in peace, dearest Marie.

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