Marie Davies, a resident of Hythe, Alberta, formerly of Minburn, Alberta passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 in Beaverlodge at the age of 95 years. Marie was born in Kosmowczuzna, Poland on January 9, 1921. She was the second child of Stanley (John) and Paulina Zaborowski. Marie's older brother John had passed away in infancy in July 1920. Life in Poland during Marie's early years was not easy. In 1928 John made the difficult decision to travel to Canada to work as a farm laborer. Five years later, Pauline and Marie followed arriving in Canada in August of 1933. Together this little family met the great challenges that all immigrants face. They worked hard for farmers in the Minburn area, learned a new language, and adapted to a new culture. With hard work and determination John purchased property in the town of Minburn. Here is where they set up a shoe making and harness repair shop and where Pauline worked as a seamstress. Marie attended school in Minburn and later began working in the cafe and grocery store. The family developed long lasting friendships in this community. It was through one of these friendships that Marie met the bashfully charming John Horotio Perciful Davies. Percy's mother Francis Davies had found a friendship with Marie's mother Pauline and recognized that Marie was an admirable young woman. There may have been some other motives for the introduction; family rumor has it that Francis had many great skills but cooking was not one of them. At the time Francis had four sons who were in need of a hearty diet and Marie's cooking talents were greatly needed. Marie and Percy met and a spark was ignited. They married on August 7, 1940 and the couple began a life of farming and with that they had four children; Dorothy, Margaret, Ed, and James. Like many women of her time, Marie was a hardworking farm wife who used her wit and common sense to feed, clothe, and entertain her family. From the bounty of her vegetable gardens she kept her family and neighbors fed. She understood the wealth available in the land around her and when she could she would roundup her kids to pick wild berries and mushrooms. On many summer nights you could find Marie cleaning and preserving saskatoons or raspberries for the winter. Marie took part in keeping her community vibrant by her involvement in the UCW and in church. On a typical Sunday morning for many years her voice could be heard in the church choir. In 1974, Marie and Percy moved off the farm and into a house in Minburn. Adjusting from farm life to urban life was a big step. Although Percy had health issues the couple stayed connected with farming. During this time Marie and Percy pursued their love of travel. They would load up their camper and head off to places in the US and Western Canada. You might have seen them pulled over along the highway, Percy snapping pictures and Marie making lunch with the many things we had tucked away in that littler camper. For 25 years this couple enjoyed square dancing. They were a sharp looking pair. Marie expertly tailored their matching outfits. Sewing was a hobby Marie took pleasure in for most of her life. Many of us have been wrapped in the warmth of the quilts crafted and gifted by Marie. She had a skill as a quilter that she passed on to her next generation of quilters. She took the smallest bit of cloth that she had gathered and saved over the years and made beautiful works of art. When you received a gift of a quilt from Marie, you received a little piece of her life because in those quilts you can see a bit of apron she wore or a scrap of Percy's square dance shirt. In 1990, Percy passed away. Marie went on to live independently in their home. She continued her love of gardening, singing in the choir and socializing with her friends. At some point during this time she and her friend Helen Rustad took to driving to Manville. Now you should know, Marie was not the driver but what she brought to this driving duo was her top notch eye sight, something Helen struggled with. Together this pair of friends was likely a police officer's biggest fear, but the two maintained their independence for several years. In 2008, with the encouragement of family, Marie moved from her home in Minburn to a lodge in Vermilion. Taking 87 years of your life and moving it into a small lodge room is no easy task. It was here in the Vermilion Valley Lodge that Marie took to keeping herself physically fit by walking the hallways. Her door quickly became covered with the certificates of recognition for the many kilometers that she clocked. Marie lived in Vermilion for 5 years. In 2013 she moved from Vermilion Lodge to the Pioneer Home in Hythe, Alberta to be closer to her daughter. Marie had always enjoyed car rides in the country and this was a pleasure she continued. Marie liked to see the changes in the season and the activity of local farmers. During her time at the Hythe Lodge she was able to participate in several family activities such as birthday parties, quilt shows, Easter celebrations, and the Christmas fireworks. She loved those fireworks. It was one of these family gatherings not so long ago when Marie was noticed sitting in a chair with her head back and eyes closed with a big smile on her face. When asked what she was doing, she said, "I am old, I don't have too much to say but I like to sit and listen to my family." A life of 95 years is a long time and there is a great deal of wisdom gathered along the way. Here are a few things learned from Marie. Life is difficult, but with wit, common sense, and the things that the world around you has to offer, you will survive. Bring warmth and comfort to the world by giving those around you little bits of yourself. And maybe one of the most important pieces of wisdom I learned from Marie is that one of life's greatest pleasures will come to you when you sit back and close your eyes, and listen to the family you helped to create and lovely dearly. Marie was predeceased by her parents, her infant brother, her husband Percy, and two grandsons. Marie leaves to mourn her children, Dorothy (Jack) Cage, Margaret (Oscar) Bokowoski, Ed (Char) Davies, and James (Yvonne) Davies, along with twelve grandchildren and many great grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the McQueen Memorial United Church, Mannville, AB. Rev. Andrew Kinoti Lairenge officiated. A private family interment was held in the Minburn Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Marie to the Beaverlodge Hospital Foundation, Box 480 Beaverlodge, AB T0H0C0, or to a charity of one's choice. Very Respectfully Beaverlodge Funeral Service