Wells – Marian Wells died at home On December 17, 2020 at the age of 88, having lived a rich and full life. A life filled with love and loss, family and friends, music and worship.
Marian was born to Genevieve and Albert Johnson in the deep of “The Depression” in Mrs. King’s home for birthing mothers in Brooks. Her early life in Scandia revolved around the sheep ranch: lambing, shearing, dipping, sheep dogs & their puppies, sheep herder’s and their camps and the big prairie to the east. Her family later moved to Brooks and focused on cattle. Herefords, of course.
After finishing High School in Brooks, she completed nursing school at the U of A in 1954 and got her first job at Brooks Municipal Hospital. There, a certain young Wally Wells, a rancher who came from a construction family in Saskatchewan, was dating the nurses. He saved the best for last and they wed in 1955.
The next years were busy on the ranch in Scandia. Caring for their six children, feeding the hired men, homemaking as well as church and community activities filled her days start to finish. In 1967 Wally received an offer to manage a cattle ranch in Hawaii. The way Marian heard about it was as follows: a phone call came from a George Murphy in Hawaii. She drove out to the field to tell him, thinking it was a mistake. With a bit of an abashed look Wally said, “I guess I haven’t told you about that yet”. Many lifelong friendships and memories were formed during their time on Molokai. The family eventually settled back in Brooks and it has remained their home base since.
Marian was predeceased by her husband Wally and daughter Bonnie, as well as many beloved relatives and friends. She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind, children Bill (Dina), Janet, Joanne, Jim and Linda (Dave); grandchildren Amanda (Mike), Max & Emma; brother Burton (Wanda) and countless extended family and friends who she loved like her own.
Being a grandma was a role Marian cherished. She was an integral part of the upbringing of her three grandchildren, Amanda, Max and Emma. They all enjoyed the pleasures of playing tag, gardening, music, baking and sheep tending with Grandma. They knew no other babysitter. She often declared that she was the luckiest grandma in the world to see and play with her grandkids every day.
Marian was a lifetime volunteer. She was an active member of the Brooks United Church for over 60 years. She gave generously to all facets of her community and built countless friendships through her involvement. She cared equally for all, from shiny new babies to the those weakened by sickness or age. She was a voracious reader of all forms of literature. She played the piano by ear and with obvious joy and was providing music therapy long before music therapy was a thing.
Mom valued her independence and always enjoyed good health. At age 88, she was ready to hang up her walking shoes. She approached her death with her customary grace and fortitude.
She will be deeply missed.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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