Obituary of Maryann Junette Thoresen

Mrs. Maryann Junnette Thoresen

June 2, 1940 – December 20, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Maryann Thoresen announce her passing on December 20, 2021 at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, SK.  Maryann was born in Regina and adopted by caring and loving parents, Myrtle and Clarence Neff. She grew up on the farm in Buckland and spent many summers at Round Lake.  She was active in 4H and was proud of the fact that she raised and showed calves.  Maryann spent many hours practicing piano and received her grade 10 level in the Royal Conservatory program. She completed business school in Prince Albert and subsequently worked at the Bank of Montreal as a stenographer.  Maryann married Gerald Thoresen on April 11^th, 1960 and together they raised 4 children in Prince Albert.

Mom’s greatest joy during our younger years was planning winter vacations, which back in the day was no small feat. She spent many hours poring through Dad’s dive magazines to find vacation homes to rent in far away island spots. Trips included Dominica British West Indies, which was indeed a true adventure. Upon our arrival by small sea plane, she learned that the house that she arranged was still occupied by the owner. Mom and Dad had to quickly arrange alternate lodging, again before internet and cell phones. They had met a woman aboard the small plane who mentioned a man who owned an estate and our parents set out to see if something could be had there. Thus began a 5-week glorious adventure filled holiday which all of us remembered fondly for the rest of our lives. Mom set up house in an abandoned caretaker’s residence and had to make the best of a less than ideal situation.  Dad spent many days diving (his passion), us kids ran wild all over the estate with the owners 12 children and Mom relaxed on the front verandah or on the beach when she wasn’t keeping track of us all. Other trips included Bahamas, Hawaii as well as many driving trips to California and Florida. Mom proudly displayed souvenir flags in our rumpus room from the many states we drove through.

Summers growing up included our annual trek to spend the entire summer on the beach at the family cabin at Candle Lake near Fishers Creek. There are many fond memories of laughter and heated discussion with good friends Harold and Ivy Collins and Don and Frieda Steen as well as many other great Candle Lake cronies. Mom’s “cackling” as Dad lovingly called it, could be heard above the roar of the lively get togethers.

One of the most difficult times during Mom’s life was losing her son Glenn and she struggled with this more than we knew.

Mom and Dad were able to travel again later in life to Florida and spend time with good friends there. Mom enjoyed, once again the thrill of new adventures and always seemed to find an interesting activity to do.

One of the highlights later in Mom’s life was finally being able to know who her biological family was and her trip out to Victoria to meet with her half sister and brother was very exciting for her. She made a strong connection, and the pictures show how happy this made her.

Mom was in extremely good physical shape and enjoyed many walks on the Rotary Trail with her daughter Dawn.

Maryann is survived by her daughter Shelley (Derek) Dodge and their children Victoria (John), Colby (Aden) and Liam; daughter Dawn (Johann) Rybalka and their children Kaytlin (Keven) and their daughter Ruby, Josh, and Luke; daughter Jennifer (Tyson) Bavle.  Maryann is also survived by her sister-in-law Bernice Martin of Venice, Florida; Iris (George) Heinrichs of Gronlid, SK and their children and sister Sylvia Patey of B.C. and brother Albert Patey of B.C.

In lieu of other tributes, donations can be made to the Rose Garden Hospice, P. O. Box 2092, Prince Albert, SK S6V 1E0 or Rotary Trail, 1084 Central Avenue, Prince Albert, SK S6V 7P3

A Private Family Service will be held at a future date to be determined. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.