Obituary of Marilyn Hanson

Kaye, or “Wee Ma” to her family, started life in a section farmhouse near Gerald, Saskatchewan on July 20^th, 1937, born to Alva and Bill Symons.  Kaye spent her childhood amongst loving family members including her many cousins, in particular Vicky, Darlene, Arlene, Gordon, Glenn, Wayne, Ricky and Faith. Those cousins remained very dear to Kaye for the rest of her life.

Family and friends were very important to Wee Ma so we were honoured to be with her when she died at home.  Wee Ma was dearly loved by all who knew her – her late husband Don, her children Janice Ridings (Bill), Shelley Balfour (John), Doug Bruce (Kelly), her stepchildren, Donnie Hanson, Brian Hanson and Janice (John) Davis, her grandchildren Alana, Amanda, Jenelle, Mark, Caitlin, Emma, Mallory, Emily, Destiny, Skyela, Tayah, Tanner, Talen, Gabrielle, Peyton and Carson. Wee Ma was delighted to become a GGMa to Olivia, Aleia, Myles, Rory, Declan, Oliver, and Parker. Sister-in-law JoAnne (John) Wilson was a big part of Wee Ma’s life for the past 40 years!  Mom was always closely connected to her sister Sharon Mills (Don) who kept her busy travelling to fun and exotic places.  Mom’s family connections were complicated but much to our delight, our family was recently able to meet her surviving half-siblings Audrey Sargent, Karen Lizee, Denise Chase, and Russell McGill.  What a wonderful summer trip that was!

Kaye, known by many as the Energizer Bunny, finally ran out of batteries shortly before her 86^th birthday. Wee Ma lived life to the fullest, working until she was 82 at the Walmart pharmacy, golfing everyday – cursing up a storm at every ball that didn’t meet her expectations, ‘working’ at Pippins on Saturdays to give Dolly time for a break, loving and supporting her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Everywhere we went with Wee Ma - Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Radium, Long View, etc. someone would stop us and say, “aren’t you Kaye from Walmart?” or comment on her hair.  We can’t remember our Wee Ma without thinking of the bright purple streak in her glorious white hair. 

We would like to thank Mom’s close friends and golfing partners, Sandy, Joanne, Deb, Tammy, and Claire for delighting in her foul language and helping her enjoy every game. When COVID hit, Mom retired from her job at Walmart and immediately missed her Pharmacy family Fabian (aka Poopsie), Shauna, Brian, Judy, Joanne, Cheryl, Mehul and Di.

In addition to those mentioned, we would like to say a special thank you to Nurse Practitioner Dina Bousquet and her Green Clinic team for the excellent care Mom received over the years.  The nurses and doctors at East Kootenay Regional Hospital always gave mom the royal treatment every time she arrived.  They all knew “the lady with the funky hair.”  The family would also like to recognize and thank Brian Clarkson for his guidance and friendship through the last few weeks of Mom’s life.

We will always hold room in our heart for you Mom, Mother-in-Law, GMa, GGMa, Wee Ma, Auntie, Sister, Cousin and Friend.  We miss your beautiful smile already.

There will be a gathering to celebrate Mom at Mission Hills Golf Course on May 11^th, 2023 from 4-7 pm on the patio.  It will be an opportunity for her Cranbrook family and friends to share some laughter, stories and hugs. There will not be a formal agenda at Mom’s request.  A larger family gathering will take place in late August.