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Patricia June Marchi
June 6, 1932 - July 17, 2022
Tribute
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Patricia June Marchi (MacDonald) on Sunday, July 17th at the age of 90.
Pat was born on June 6, 1932, in Elkpoint, Alberta. Her family moved to Vernon, BC in 1947 and then settled in Lumby, BC in 1948. Pat completed her teacher training in Victoria in June 1951. Over the years she taught in Creston, Michel-Natal, Cranbrook, and Kimberley. Pat was very passionate about teaching and would do anything to help her students. We’ve often heard from former students who say, “Mrs. Marchi was my favourite teacher”.
Pat met Orlando in Michel-Natal and they were married in Lumby on August 25, 1956. They moved to Cranbrook in 1959 and then to Kimberley in 1961.
Pat dearly loved her family, and she especially adored her grandchildren who truly benefitted from her ‘teaching’ as there was always a variety of crafts, projects and learning opportunities when spending time with Gram. She loved family dinners or anytime she had her immediate family around her, as well as large gatherings with extended family. She loved to read (a passion she passed onto many of us), looking for wildflowers (on foot in her younger years and later driving in the car with Orlando), and travelling when she had the opportunity. Everyone who knew Pat was touched by her big heart and her kind and gentle ways.
Pat is survived by her husband Orlando Marchi; her son John Marchi, her daughter Janice (Al) Paetz, four grandchildren, Justin and Jared Marchi, Nicki and Kaylie McElwee, and one great-granddaughter, Addisyn Blanchard; her sisters Jessie Marchi and Ruby Bruce, her brothers Bill (Lavender) MacDonald, Jim (Roma) MacDonald, John (Rita) MacDonald and many nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents Roderick and Alice (Gudwer) MacDonald and sister Christine Gutenberg.
To honor Pat’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a children’s charity such as Variety – The Children’s Network, or to the Salvation Army.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff in the Emergency Room and on the 3rd Floor of the Cranbrook Regional Hospital for their care of Pat in her final days, the health care community in Kimberley who have taken such incredible care of Pat over the years, and the staff at Mark Memorial for their caring guidance.
Condolences
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From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Gene Semenzin
Sincere condolences to the Marchi family. Remember the happy times. You will always have your memories.
From: Vicki Waite
Relation: Family friend
My sincere condolences
From: Spud & Holly Ronnquist
Relation: Friends of Son
Our deepest sympathies are with the family in this time of loss. Take care.
From: Mike Waites & family
Relation: Friend
Our sincere condolences to the Marchi Family💕. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
From: Bob Johnstone
Relation: Colleague of Pat and Janice. Parent of two daughters who had Pat as their teacher.
Sincere condolences to Pat’s family on the passing of such a kind and gentle lady.
45 years ago our family moved to Kimberley and settled in Black Bear subdivision. It was an exciting time for us but not without the trepidation of 5 kids starting in new schools, one at McKim and the others at Chapman Camp grades 5, 4, 2 and K.
Our fourth child and eldest daughter, Jana, was in grade 2. Mrs Marchi was her teacher. Soon any apprehensions had dissipated, as each day after school Jana updated us with the latest adventures of the “Desk Fairy”, who for our family became a symbol of the safe environment in our kids’ new school.
Jana loved Mrs Marchi who assured us the feeling was mutual. Although we suspected that she told all the parents the same thing and that she was simply telling the truth!
Jana was delighted when she learned that Mrs Marchi would be her teacher for grade three. The next year we were delighted to learn that Mrs Marchi would be the teacher of our youngest daughter, Jennifer in grade 2.
Jennifer has now been teaching for many years. When I called to inform her of Mrs Marchi’s passing, she confessed that the Desk Fairy had been employed in her classroom for several years!
After my daughters had finished at Chapman Camp, I had the pleasure of working with Pat’s daughter, Janice, at the school board office in Kimberley. The Desk Fairy was not part of Janice’s repertoire but she did display many of the same positive qualities as her mom.
Pat’s love of children, sincere concern for their wellbeing, and support for their learning, made a difference in the lives of the many students she encountered.
From: Joan Meyer
Relation: Friend
My sincere condolences to the March family. Pat had many admirable qualities and I always appreciated her kind and gentle manner. She will indeed be missed by you all but you were so fortunate to have had her in your lives. Her qualities will live on through her family members and you will always treasure the time she shared with all of you. My thoughts are with you as you journey through this difficult time.
From: Norma Buttignol
Relation: friend
My sincere sympathy to you Orlando and family . My thoughts are with you in your loss.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
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MJ’s Floral Boutique
24 10th Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 2M8
250.526.5689
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