July 18, 1938 - December 28, 2022
In loving memory ~
On December 28, 2022, heaven gained a gracious lady; Ilse Elsbeth Markin (nee Marutt). She will be forever loved and honoured for all she gave as wife, mother, Oma, sister, Aunty, and friend. Ilse was born in Hannover, Germany in 1938 and by age 14 had emigrated to Canada with her parents, Anna and Franz Marutt, and her siblings. Ilse held a life-long special bond with her sister Val. In 1955, Ilse met the love of her entire life - John Markin. On March 29, 1958, they vowed to build a beautiful legacy together. They eventually settled in Victoria in 1962 and bought a home on Springridge Crescent. John was a police officer and Ilse worked as a cashier at Super Valu and Econo Mart. Soon came four healthy bouncing babies: Yvonne, Darryl, Janice and Trevor. Together, over 30 years, they provided their kids with a fun-loving home hosting countless pool parties and Christmas Eve gatherings. Ilse will always be remembered for baking her delicious Black Forest cake, cabbage rolls and 'Oma's soup.' Be it her own kids, grandkids, or neighbour's kids - Ilse was the chosen 'teeth puller outer.' Ilse's passions in her lifetime included bowling, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, card games, Spider Solitaire, garage sales, bingo, the casino and of course her Diet Pepsi and Maggi. She enjoyed watching TV Game shows, Judge Judy, and Dr. Phil. The family has many special memories of camping in Penticton, Christina Lake, Sproat Lake and all over Vancouver Island. Ilse enjoyed her many travels that included Germany, Hawaii, Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, the Okanagan, and Powell River. Ilse's grandkids often giggled when she referred to bad drivers as 'apples.' She affectionately referred to cell phones as 'the machine.' No matter what occasion, Ilse's smile and laughter filled the room with joy. John and Ilse moved to Duncan in 1996 and continued with family traditions including backyard barbecues and Christmas Eve gatherings. Ilse loved the 'nature sanctuary' that her backyard provided with wild birds, squirrels, and rabbits. Ilse shared every part of her spirit with those she shared time with. What you were up to and how you felt about it mattered, and Ilse would tell you so. Your birthday and special occasions also mattered to Ilse - many would receive special acknowledgements from her. She was a Red Hat member and loved her Potluck Group and Glenora Breakfast Club. The Rathskeller's German cuisine brought her great comfort and was often Ilse's first choice when she wanted to celebrate a special occasion. In Ilse's company, you felt her kind spirit and full presence. Ilse's compassionate fingerprints are spread about on everything and everyone she touched. We are forever privileged to have loved her. She fought her 5-month battle with lung cancer the way she lived her life - with grace.
Ilse will be pleased to reunite with Anna and Franz (parents), Gunter (brother) and Janice (daughter). Until we meet again, sweet Ilse: Husband John, children Yvonne (Al), Darryl, Trevor (Michelle), son-in-law Gord, grandchildren Lindsay, Nicole (Evan), Daniel (Kayleigh), Tony (Megan), Kalene and Siarra, great-grandchildren Caleb, Will, Owen, Kassidy and Kamilla, sisters Val, Anita, and Leona (Brian) as well as many nieces/nephews and their families. Ilse's best friend Ollie also holds a sacred place in her heart. The family is so grateful to the staff and volunteers at Duncan Hospice House, and particularly to Heather and Kate, for the excellent care and compassion you gave to Ilse. Special thanks to Ilse's niece Sharon for such compassion and support, particularly in these past several months. Ilse requested no service and no flowers. She asked for any donations to go towards the Duncan Hospice House or B.C. Cancer Agency.
Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com
H. W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre
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