May 16, 1940 - May 5, 2024
The family of Marianne Gunhild Maronese regret to announce the passing of their beloved Mother and Nona on Sunday, May 5, 2024. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Marianne and the family were supported by amazing nurses, personal support workers and doctors at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Marathon. Our deepest thanks go out to the Hospital Staff and the Staff and residents of the Peninsula Manor for their compassion and friendship.
Marianne was born in Boden, Sweden on May 16, 1940 to parents Arne Peterson and Aino Tollonen. She emigrated to Canada as a girl, and ended up in Manitouwadge, Ontario as a late teen. It was in this small northern town that she met the love of her life, Melvin Maronese. They were married on October 28, 1961 and spent a long and happy life together until Melvin passed away in June 2020. Their love story was one for the ages! We know that mom missed dad terribly and that his arms now cradle her for all of eternity.
Marianne and Mel were a great team, and they shared entrepreneurial spirits. She was the bookkeeper, admin assistant and partner in several businesses while in Manitouwadge. She also worked in the Post Office there and at the Assay Office at Noranda Geco.
She was deeply involved in the life of her children and loved them beyond measure. She was an expert cook and seamstress, making many of her own fashionable clothes back in the day! She truly loved figure skating and was very involved on the Manitouwadge Figure Skating Club Executive and obtained credentials as a Skating Judge as well. When she wasn't working or taking care of four children (and Mel!) she could be found packing up for camping at White Lake Provincial Park and eventually at the family camp just outside of White River, Ontario. The family spent many joyous times with good friends playing games, having a good meal, and enjoying some treasured time together. The door was always open at the Maronese home and camp!
In 1981, Marianne and Melvin moved to Marathon so that Mel could begin a new chapter in his work life at the James River Mill. Marianne was just as busy, becoming involved as a bookkeeper for several businesses, and building the Zero 100 Hotel with several partners. Marianne joined the Rotary Club and enjoyed volunteering her service. After retirement, Mel and Marianne did some travelling, most notably for several months in Europe, sightseeing, and visiting family in Italy, Sweden and Finland. Mel and Marianne moved to Thunder Bay in 2006 to be closer to family and needed health care resources.
Marianne's family was the biggest priority in her life, always. She will be remembered with great love and affection by daughters Tina Maronese (John), Kristine Martyn (Sean), Karen Loftus (Bill) and son Gary Maronese (Stacy). Her grandchildren were her treasures. She was a strong, loving woman who instilled determination and provided endless love and affection to her 11 grand kids - Brenden and Ashley Tucker (Stephen), Brady (Karla & Arlo), Bryce (Maya) and Brooklyn (Cole) Martyn, Jordan (Vanessa & Ellie), James (Keesha) and Julia Loftus, Garrett, Isabella and Samuel Maronese. She was also thrilled to have two great grandchildren Ellie Loftus and Arlo Martyn.
Marianne was predeceased by her parents Arne and Aino. She is survived by her sister Hilda Watson (Cameron), brother Ken Peterson (Alice May), and their children.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, May 10 at 11:30am at the Rosslyn Hall (3405 Rosslyn Rd) followed by lunch and interment at the Mountain View Cemetery. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Peninsula Manor in Marathon, ON or the COPD Maintenance Program at St. Joseph's Care Group would be greatly appreciated by the family.
The family also requests that you cherish your family, hold them close, and make many happy memories together. We were blessed to have had such a determined, fair, sweet, loving and super strong woman in our lives. We are eternally grateful for the privilege of having known and loved her. She taught us all well and the memories we created as a family will help sustain us today and in the future.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
