Loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Mariette Totland (nee Artano) passed away suddenly on December 20th, 2020 in Victoria, BC. Mariette was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Olen, in 2014, brother Maurice and parents Lillian and Auguste Artano. She is survived by her daughters Krista (Joe McGill), Karen (Myra O’Donoghue) and Marina (grandchildren Al and Hannah) and siblings Auguste, Lorraine, Genevieve, Odile and Joe. She will be missed by many other friends and relations.
Mariette was born July 20, 1941 in St. Pierre et Miquelon and remained proud of this heritage all her life. She moved to Newfoundland at age 20, where she met Olen. They were married in Ontario, then moved west to BC and raised their family on a farm near Fort St. John. Mariette had a love for laughter, embraced motherhood, was passionate about cooking and gardening, and staying connected with family and friends. Mariette moved to Victoria in 1984 and then to the Sunshine Coast in 1990, following Ole’s career. While on the Sunshine Coast, Mariette and Ole enjoyed retirement in their beautiful garden and many extended weekends fishing on their boat. Mariette moved back to Victoria in 2014. She always derived great pleasure in connecting with friends and family, if not in person, then by phone. She loved sharing people’s life stories.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, Jan 20th at 10 a.m. (PST) at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Victoria. An email link to the online service can be obtained from the family. A private family-only interment will happen at a later date.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Victoria General Hospital for their care and compassion for Mariette. Donations in Mariette’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Condolences may be offered to the family below
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Paul & Callie O'Donoghue
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Artano MArtine Karen, Christa, Marina et famille, j’ai une pensée particulière pour vous en jour où vous dîtes au revoir à votre maman. Quelle chance vous avez eu de l’avoir à vos côtés!! je garderai de bons souvenirs de nos rencontres, une femme droite dans ses baskets, avec beaucoup d’humour.
A jamais graver dans nos coeurs, je vous souhaite de garder d’elle les plus beaux souvenirs.
Je vous embrasse
Votre cousine
Martine Artano, SAint-Pierre
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Cindy Tysinger So many beautiful memories of my time with Mariette, when spending time with her beautiful daughter Krista and son-in-law Joe. She was so kind and lived life fully when I heard about the stories of her life I was always amazed and inspired. Mariette’s heart was so pure and we had some really fun times together. She loved her family so much, as I could see it in her eyes when we were all together. This one particular memory when we were going out to dinner and waiting for our table in the lounge…Joe had gone outside and we switched his glass of wine with watered-down apple juice. We could hardly contain ourselves when he came back into the room. We were all trying to act nonchalant when he returned and anxiously awaited for him pick up his glass trying not to burst out laughing before to see his reaction. We all had a great belly laugh. So many memories and during my next trip up to Victoria, I will miss not being able to see her although knowing she is in a much better place and no longer suffering through Alzheimer’s symptoms. Mariette, you will forever be in my heart and I am forever grateful for the birth of your children, especially Krista whom I feel she is a sister to me. I know you are shining down from above lovingly watching over your children and grandchildren with pride while joyful to be reunited with your husband. Krista, Joe, Karen & Myra, Marina and family, my heart is hurting for all of you today and take comfort in the loving memories spent together while she walked this earth. I thank you for sharing your mom with me and I am grateful to have shared in her joy when she was with all of you. Lean on one another during your time of grief knowing true love transcends the physical experience and she lives on within all of you. Her service today was so beautiful and moving thank you for allowing me to participate online. With love from all of your Texas family, Cindy, Phil, Jason, Travis, Erik & Tiffany, Rowen & Ramsey & Mavi.
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Elaine Wagher ELAINE WAGHER
I was blessed to know Mariette, she was a loving mother and a beautiful person. She will be missed by all. I loved to listen to her stories and always enjoyed our time together, she will be forever in my memories. I wanted to let you know Krista that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Love Elaine
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Lemaine Geneviève Daniel Krista Karen Marina ,j’ai une grosse pensée pour vous en cette douloureuse épreuve ,votre Maman ,ma sœur est partie rejoindre votre Papa l’amour de sa vie comme elle me disait. Je n’oublierai jamais la complicité que nous avions pendant notre jeunesse . La famille sera avec vous par la pensée
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Monica Heeney Mariette, we never met and yet I know what an amazing woman you must have been simply by the sense of family you have instilled in your girls. I loved when Karen would tell me stories of you and the family. While I know that there are many who are in pain, I also know that your love, your example and your strength will live on in your legacy. May they soon be able to laugh and tell stories of the best mom they could have hoped for. Rest In Peace.
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Barbara & Jim Moroz Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We will miss Mariette very much and she will always be remembered for her love of Christmas. First one to send out her cards and she was the one who showed/taught me how to do a Christmas scene under the tree. However it kept on growing and soon filled half of the wall.
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Scott Bastien Heather and I send our Deepest Sympathy and Love. Your Mon was a wonderful person and is at Rest now with you Dad…Big Hugs From Heather and I .Love you Both. Heather and Scott
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King Family It is very sad to hear of the passing of Mariette. We remember her as such a warm and welcoming person at Marina’s Christmas parties, sharing family stories and tales of west coast life. May such memories keep her alive in our hearts.
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Sonia Bertacchini Lorraine & Sonia
Please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences at this most challenging time.
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared , comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Remember she still lives inside your laughter and walks beside you everyday…Proud as always.
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Julie, Peter, Grace, Sophie and Charlie O’Gorman Karen and family, our sincere condolences for the loss of your mum. We will be thinking of you during these difficult times. You are all in our prayers.
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Murray A Mitchell Marina and family….I was so saddened to hear about your Mom’s passing, and will never forget the family like feeling she transmitted to Joshua and I as we stayed with her for a few days on the Sunshine Coast. Laura and I send our condolences .
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Michael Putland The Totland family has always held a special place in my heart with great memories from University. Mariette took me under her wing to make sure I was not a starving or lonely student by inviting me to family dinners quite regularly. My favourite activity was to kid her about her French heritage and she was always quick with a retort to put me in my place. She clearly loved her family and would do anything for them. I will miss Mariette and the happiness I know she brought into our world. The sadness in our hearts can be softened by the great memories we have of her.
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Famille Lemoine Dear cousins, Your loved mom will always be in our minds and hearts. We will remember her large smille and her happiness. The last Time she came in St-Pierre I decided to cook a seafood showder and she explained me how to do it ! It was great and it’s the way I still cook it
Rest in peace on uncle Oleen’s side aunt Mariette.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Christian, Céline, sophie and Katy Lemoine from Saint-Pierre et MIQUELON
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Steinar Haugen and Shirley Pajunen We are saddened by the death of your mother. We were recipients of many tasty treats from her wonderful garden here in Sechelt. Mariette and Olen were the best neighbors. We pray that as you celebrate her life, you will feel Gads closeness and will be comforted by it. GOD’S BLESSINGS AND PEACE
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Lynn &SeanRua O'Donoghue Karen & all your family our deepest sympathy to you all as to lose your Mum so suddenly and at such a challenging time,our heart goes out to you all,love Lynn &SeanRua
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The McKenna Family We were so saddened to hear of your Mum’s death. We were privileged to meet Mariette at Marina’s some years ago at Christmas. May God’s love and mercy comfort you. God Bless all of you.
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Paola , Allan Star We were very saddened to hear about your mother’s unexpected passing. No words can appropriately describe what your family is experiencing at this time. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go with you at this moment. She is in loving hands of the Lord. May the Lord’s peace be with you. Your old friends, Paola and Al
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Karen and Rick Wysiecki Krista, Joe, Karen, Myra, Marina, Al and Hannah, our condolences to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mariette had a great sense of humour and loved to tell stories of her past. Her favorites were of when she was young and would go down to the warf and the fishermen would give her a fish to bring home. Another was attending Mass when she would be able to go out after for ice cream. She also reminisced about how her girls would bring home friends. She loved how Ole and her raised her girls! She also talked about her beautiful garden in Seachelt and how she got manure from Ole for her birthday. She loved it! She would attend Mass with Rick and I and always wanted to end it with a lunch out. We will miss her smiling face, laughter and her great stories.
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Dan & Sandra O'Donoghue, Daniel, Keith, Brian & Darragh. Our sincere condolences to Karen and Myra, Krista and Joe, Marina and Mariette’s grandchildren, siblings and friends. It is always sad to lose a loved one and so much harder when suddenly and now at this time with all the restrictions in place. You are in our thoughts. We never met Mariette and however have often heard her name mentioned with love and affection. May she rest in peace and be happily reunited with Ole. May you all find strength to cope at this very difficult time.
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Patrick O’Donoghue You are in our thoughts, with deepest sympathy. Her loss is terrible in these most difficult times. Deirdre, Patrick (pod) & Family. Cork, Ireland.
So sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you all at this very difficult time. Mariette will be well remembered. May she rest in peace.
Paul & Callie O’Donoghue