October 2, 1944 - May 2, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marie Catherine King on May 2, 2022, surrounded by family at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. She was born in 1944 in Opal, Alberta and grew up in Edmonton. Marie attended Notre Dame University in Nelson, British Columbia where she studied arts. It was here where she met her future husband Bill. They eventually moved back to Edmonton where they both attended the University of Alberta, and she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. After university, Marie worked as a social worker at the Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton for several years. Bill, Marie, and son Kim moved to Nanaimo in 1980. She returned to work as a social worker at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for 28 years until she retired in 2015. She was well known for her dedication and assisting patients and their families. While working in the 1980s, Marie also returned to university while working and earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Marie was active in the community. She was a member and past president of the Nanaimo Zonta club, member of the Daughters of the Nile, and volunteered for several organizations in Nanaimo. Marie had travelled throughout the world, and frequently reminisced about her adventures with family over the years.
Family was Marie's first priority. She was frequently supporting Bill in his community activities, and treasured time with Kim and his family. Her family has countless memories of the times spent with her and she will be greatly missed by them all.
Marie is predeceased by her husband of 55 years Bill and sisters Susan, Vera, and Lucy. She is survived by her son Kim, daughter in law Dawn, grandchildren Liam, Cameron, and Lauren, and sister Grace.
Marie and her family were always grateful for the medical care she had received, and would like to thank Drs. McIlwaine, Trepess, Kydd, and Alscher for their care. We would also like to thank Dr. Kulla and staff at the BC Cancer Clinic, and Dr. Love and staff at the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH for their compassion and care.
A special thanks to Marie's niece Jayne and friend Susan for their support and care of Marie.
Plans for a celebration of life will be made at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, consideration of donations to the BC Cancer Foundation or NRGH Palliative Care Unit would be appreciated.
Grateful for all you have given us, and thankful for all the special times.
Kim, Dawn, Liam, Cameron, and Lauren King.