Obituary of Marian Genne Allen

"If you met her you liked her and if you knew her you loved her" Marian Genne Allen (nee Beattie) February 13, 1929 - January 28, 2019 Marian was born in Vancouver, BC to Harold and Mary Beattie. Soon after she was born the family moved to Waldo, BC where she spent much of her youth. When her Dad was hired as a Tie Inspector for CPR they moved into Cranbrook. Marian attended elementary and high school in Cranbrook, graduating from Cranbrook High in 1947. During this time she was quite active in the community and took great pride in being a member of the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band. After graduation Marian attended Normal School in Vancouver to become a teacher. Once she received her certification she returned and taught school in Cranbrook and at Fort Steele. Marian married Rod Allen in December 1953 and moved to Ottawa where Rod was stationed with the R.C.M.P. Their family soon took shape with Rick, Kathy, Mike and Judy all being born in Ottawa. The family resided there until 1969 when Marian and Rod decided to return to their roots here in Cranbrook. Upon her return to Cranbrook she worked as a substitute teacher for a couple of years and then began full time employment with Woolworth's until her retirement. Marian loved camping at Horseshoe and Summer Lakes, traveling with their "Super 8" group and spent many a summer evening playing bocce, cards or board games. She especially enjoyed the annual Family Camping excursions around the Province. It was during these annual events that she taught all eight of her grandchildren how to swim. She was particularly proud of the being the Gold Medal winner at the Family Camping Olympics at Pierre's Point (Woo! Woo!) Winters were spent playing bridge twice a week, curling twice a week, monthly lunches with her group of friends from Cranbrook High and supporting the Kootenay ICE. She and Rod were season ticket holders from the start and when Rod passed, she continued to attend all the ICE home games with her special group of Go-ICE-Go Grannies. Marian is survived by Rick (Virginia), Kathy, Mike (Shelley) and Judy; her grandchildren Whitney, Corey, Patrick, Shawn, Samantha, Jessica, Katie, Christie and her great granddaughter, Lexi . Marian was predeceased by her husband Rod, sister Marg and brother-in-law Joe Gnucci, brother-in-law Jack Allen and step-grandson Steve. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Joseph Creek Care facility and Dr. Duguay for the kind and compassionate care they provided to our Mom during her stay at JVCC. We would also like to thank Joan Parsons for caring about our Mom and a very special thanks to Ed and Marg Swanson for looking in on Mom during her time at the Baker pod. In lieu of donations please hoist a dram of the Crown (her favourite) to Mom's memory. No service at Mom's request. She will visit her favourite camping spots one more time this summer. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com