Marie Empey

Marie Empey, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in Chemainus with her family by her side on Sep 6, 2024, at the age of 90. Predeceased by her high school sweetheart and husband of 59 years, Ray. Survived by daughter Louella (Ken), son Rick (Lynne), grandchildren, great grandchildren, and brother Dale who passed away just eight days later.

Marie was born in Innisfail, Alberta and lived in Alberta until 1965 when they moved to Vancouver Island. She was a bright gal, skipping a grade in school and attended Mount Royal College earning a diploma in bookkeeping. She was eight years older than her only sibling Dale. She took on much of his care when he was little to ease the load on her mother who took on many of the farm chores as well as organizing tasks for their grain thrashing business. In several photos, Marie can be seen entertaining Dale by pulling him around in a wagon or sleigh and riding double on a saddle horse.

Marie was very close to her parents. After she moved to B.C., they would exchange cassette tapes to keep in touch because lengthy long distance phone calls were too expensive. Once her dad became a senior, her parents started to winter on Vancouver Island so they could spend more time with Marie and their grandkids.

Marie was a meticulous bookkeeper for a lath mill and the family farm. She worked for over 20 years at the mill, becoming good friends with the mill owners and several staff members. Marie took lead on running the farm’s roadside stand selling tomatoes and cucumbers. She also provided guidance to the greenhouse packing shed staff. Marie demonstrated incredible resilience riding the roller coaster of Ray’s many endeavours.

A classy, shy lady, she greatly enjoyed the company of family and a few close friends. She kept in touch with lifelong friends she met as a youth in Alberta as well as those she met in B.C. For many years she enjoyed annual weeks-long visits from her friend Kaye who lived in Nova Scotia. Marie will be greatly missed by friends and family.

Marie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Dovehill Village staff and Island Health caregivers for their support and gentle care of Marie. We are grateful for your kindness.

Marie loved her roses, sharing them with her neighbours gave her joy. However, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.