Obituary of Marion Lorena Splett
Today, we announce with deep sadness and heavy hearts, that Marion Lorena (Craig) Splett, 87, of Fort St. John, BC passed away on November 18, 2024, ending a long, well fought battle with cancer.
Marion was born April 7, 1937 to parents, Alexander and Mildred (Steeves) Craig of Olds, Alberta. Born the first of three children, she was raised on the family farm in the Betchton District. Her schooling began in 1943 at the Betchton School. There, she attended 9 years, arriving at school each day by riding the 3 1/2 miles by horseback. Sharing the daily ride with her sister Donna was one of necessity as the horse was the only form of transport to school. As a young girl she joined the 4-H Dairy Club. Her love of 4-H work earned her many awards through raising and training Holstein heifers to show standards. After graduating in 1954 from the Composite High School in Red Deer, she accepted a position as a Telephone Operator with the Alberta Government Telephones.
Marion married her husband Herbert E. Splett in Olds, Alberta on August 14, 1956. After the birth of their son Rod, Herb received and accepted an oilfield position in Trinidad, BWI. Flying with a baby, she found the long flights connecting to the island were especially challenging. Marion enjoyed the location, the culture, and the people. It was a short stay and they soon returned to Alberta. With job opportunities in British Columbia, they moved to Fort St. John where they settled, building a house in 1962. By 1963 they were now a family of six. With a new house and a large yard came a new garden. With the knowledge she gained through farm practices, she grew one of the largest and most successful gardens in the neighbourhood. Time spent canning, freezing, and pickling allowed her to provide better quality food for her family and reduce the cost of living. With Herb's work in the oilfield pulling him away most of the time, Marion raised the family mostly on her own.
Marion's desire to become more social and learn more of the town led her to finding interest in volunteer work. She was an Event Coordinator for Ambrose Elementary School, organizing volunteers for the annual Bean Suppers and Track and Field Days. She could be seen knocking on the doors as a canvasser for groups such as The Red Cross, The March of Dimes, and The Cancer Society. Marion enjoyed working the booth for The Canadian Cancer Society's annual Christmas Wrap at the mall. She accepted a volunteer position helping a local historical group canvas local cemeteries and record burials. She recalled it as being one of the most interesting jobs she had ever come across. Adding to the 25 years volunteering in executive capacities with The Girl Guides of Canada, she also assumed the positions of Badge Secretary and a Public Relations Representative sharing stories of the girls with The Alaska Highway News. She ended her years of service as a volunteer after 20 years at The Community Friendly Thrift Shop.
Marion wanted and acquired more financial independence by first joining AVON Cosmetics in 1967. Knocking on doors and connecting with the ladies, she created herself a successful business during those six years. Not to mention the friendships formed. Then, in 1978, she was offered and accepted a part-time Accounts Payable position with Diversified Drilling Fluids Ltd. until her retirement in 1993.
Interested in taking a history course, Marion became a student at The Northern Lights College. Challenging herself, she enrolled in one new subject each semester: Archaeology, Anthropology, Astronomy, Creative Writing, and Geography, eventually earning recognition for Canadian Studies and graduating with an 'Associate Arts Degree in General Studies'. She also was recognized for and proudly accepted The Nigel Hanniford trophy for Creative Writing in 1994. Continuing her interest in creative writing, she delved into writing poetry for pleasure. She took an interest in creating greeting cards for family showcasing her skills as a poet.
After Herb's passing in 2006, Marion remained at home taking care of her yard and garden. She eventually gave up the garden and put her interest into her many pots of flowers. She remained active through walking and visiting family and friends. In 2014, with advice from her brother, she began writing stories of farm life as they both remembered it. With the collection mounting and her interest in a book, she began transcribing the stories onto a small, outdated laptop. After continued re-writing, computer lessons, and coaching from museum staff, her book emerged in 2022.
HARVESTING THE MEMORY FIELDS
Tot to Teen
On an Alberta Farm
Marion will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her caring and kind soul, her resilience, her dedication to task, and that sense of humour she brought into the lives of those around her. May her memory endure for all those who knew and loved her.
Marion is survived by her children, Rod (Colleen) Splett, Carol Splett, June (Roger) Mercier, and Les Splett; grandchildren, Kaitlin (Bryan), Ryan, and Randy (Julie); and great-grandchildren, Lilia, Harlie, and Parker.
Marion was predeceased by her husband, Herbert E. Splett; parents, Alexander and Mildred Craig; sister, Donna (Ben) Olsson; and brother, Jack (Louise) Craig.
In accordance with Marion's wishes, no formal service will be held. She has requested a private family interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Please join the family for a reception at The Royal Canadian Legion, 10103 105 Avenue, Fort St. John on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, 8407 112 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 0J5. Please choose the Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Fund option.
Click HERE to donate online.
