Marie Pielak, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Inuvik, NT, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, in Grande Prairie at the age of 83 years.

Marie, originally from Eganville, ON, was raised, went to school and worked at The Eganville Cafe, owned by her father Peter Wing. She took conservatory piano and attended Business School in Ottawa. During this time, she went on a blind date, and said she was blind ever since. The blind date would end up being her husband, Frank. They married and he went off to Aklavik, NT, as he was in the Navy, and this was the first of many postings. She soon followed in 1955. There they started their life together. Marie always worked, from Peffers Store to the GNWT. Busy raising a family and moving every few years, Marie finially settled in Inuvik in 1971. By this time they had 5 children. Frank retired from the military and they remained in Inuvik. Marie was very active in softball, curling, boating and skidooing. In March of 1980, she was part of the mixed curling team that represented the NWT at the Seagrams Mixed Curling Championships. She coached men's softball, was a member and President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the RC Legion for many years.

Marie loved to dance, socialize, being with her kids and grandkids. She loved to travel, loved Hawaii and Vegas. She loved her Bluejays and Maple Leafs. She also loved a good tennis match. Retirement found Marie in Grande Prairie in 1997. Frank followed a year later. This is where she found a new love for gardening.

Marie is sadly missed by her husband Frank of 63 years; her children: Cathy, Laurie, Clayton (Delma deceased July 13, 2021), Mark (Anne Marie), Wesley (deceased December 19, 2020), Tammy and Rod; her grandchildren: Terah, Trina, Christen, Estelle, Haleigh, CJ, Amber, Trevor, Kevin, Natasha, Carina and Arianna; as well as several great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Tuesday, January 19, 2019, from 1:00-4:00pm, at Frank’s residence in Grande Prairie.