MARIE FAINT (nee Ridsdale) 1944-2009
Marie died peacefully on March 27, 2009 from complications of aggressive breast cancer at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in Toronto. Her husband Arthur, daughter Audrey and great family friend Julie were at her side.
Marie was born in Hellifield, Yorkshire, England on November 17, 1944 and came to Canada with her family when she was young, settling in Prince Rupert. She attended Victoria College where she obtained a teaching certificate and went on to teach elementary school in Northern B.C., Prince Rupert, and Campbell River, later earning her degree from the University of Victoria.
She met and married her husband in Prince Rupert in 1968, and together they lived in Fort St. John and Hazelton, returning to Prince Rupert for the birth of their daughters. The family then moved to Vancouver Island, starting in Campbell River and then settling in Courtenay for over 20 years. Marie and Arthur decided on an adventure in 2008 and moved to Toronto, Ontario to live with Audrey to get a taste of the big city life.
Marie always had a plan and we are most grateful that her plans allowed her to visit the relatives in Yorkshire, Regis in Niagara Falls and the elephants in southern Africa. Her friends – met through university, pre-natal classes, teaching and church – meant so much to her. We would like to thank all her friends and family – for golf, lunch dates, Thursday night coffee and playing bridge over the internet – and, over the last few months, for the visits to Toronto and innumerable phone calls and cards that brought her so much joy and reminded her that it doesn’t matter where you live, your friends are still with you.
Marie enjoyed many hobbies and once the kids left the nest, her love of crafts exploded and she dove into stained glass and painting with much enthusiasm. We will all remember her paintings of landscapes and elephants that showed her many talents. She always loved baking, especially her renowned butter tarts, and was only slightly slowed down by her diabetes (they taste almost as good with the fake sugar). She was also such a fan of teaching and learning that even after retirement, she loved to share her knowledge of cooking, baking, crafts, and anything that struck her fancy. For the same reasons, since her diagnosis she was quick to participate in any medical study or survey offered, always hopeful that she would get credit in the publication.
Our sincere thanks go to both Dr. Mark Clemons and Nancy Gregorio at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto whose no bullshit manner and constant compassion helped the family through the difficult medical decisions; to her home care nurse, Maria Ruiz, who wouldn’t give up on trying to convince Marie that eating broccoli was a good thing; to her long-term family physician Dr. Janet Green who kept her healthy for over 20 years; and to Julie Kellershohn whose quick action, unwavering support and question-asking provided Marie with much comfort.
Marie was pre-deceased by her parents Margaret and Joe Ridsdale. She is survived by her beloved husband Arthur and their two daughters, Audrey of Toronto and Stephanie of Ottawa, and her brother, David (Doreen) of Prince Rupert.
A service will be held at All Saints’ Kingsway Anglican Church in Toronto on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. In place of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to further the research of breast cancer through the Toronto Weekend to End Breast Cancer.