Marie, Mom, Grams
Rohsler, Bartosek, Blender
Known and loved by many, Marie has peacefully transitioned to the next phase of her journey.
The first chapter in her wonderful life began on July 20, 1940, in the small town of Springfield Saskatchewan where Marie was joyfully welcomed by her parents, Frank and Helen, and big brother Walter. The adventure eventually took the family, including little sister Elaine, to Lethbridge Alberta, where Marie enjoyed the city life, working as an usher and planning to become an x-ray technician. Marie changed her focus when she met and married Tony Bartosek and so began Chapter II.
Never to be deterred, the city girl became a country diva and quickly learned how to milk cows and pluck chickens, freeze vegetables and can fruit. Marie was very young when she had her first daughter, Terry, who was followed by sisters Correne and Roxane, and brother Curtis. Marie was a force of nature, even then, and made sure the children enjoyed many experiences, including visits to her parent’s coffee shop and Tony’s parent’s farm, learning to ski, play tennis, swim and golf. Extended family get-togethers were numerous and joyful.
In 1977, the family turned the page and Marie started Chapter III when they moved from Lethbridge to Kelowna. Marie knew very little about make-up and skin care, yet she met the challenge with alacrity when she owned and managed the 2nd Look in Orchard Park Mall, making connections and friends along the way. She used her new talents to write a weekly beauty article, ‘With You in Mind,’ and taught a personal image, make-up and skin-care course at Okanagan College. When the store closed in 1986, Marie once again remained undeterred and became a realtor.
Chapter IV brought a very different trajectory for Marie. She met Ray Blender and the two moved to Victoria where they settled in, married and both successfully continued their careers in real estate. Marie furthered her expertise by sitting as a director on the Greater Victoria Real Estate Board and the British Columbia Real Estate Association.
Marie was sorry to leave her children Terry (Ron), Correne (Brian), Roxane (Cam) and Curtis and grandchildren behind, but greeted them and Ray’s children Sue (Lorne) Cate (Mark) and Chris (Erin) and grandchildren at their wonderful Superior Street home. The family and friends who visited share many happy memories in the over thirty-five years of being warmly welcomed by Marie and Ray, always the perfect hosts.
Chapter V: Marie retired, slowing down with the physical demands of her job, but she always nurtured her relationships. Marie was a long-time member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, starting back in Lethbridge and continuing through her time in Kelowna and Victoria. Her friends and neighbours remained very important to her, as did her family. Her seven children, fourteen grandchildren and ten (and counting) great grandchildren were always remembered with birthday cards, calls, and gifts. She loved keeping closely connected to her brother’s and sister’s children, was a loyal friend to all and never had a bad word for anyone.
Marie wrote her final words on March 22, 2026, closing the book on a wonderful life filled with love, adventure and determination. Her exquisite sense of style, her strength and willingness to tackle a challenge, and her joy of family and friends will always be remembered. She will be missed very much but remain in our hearts with so much love.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
For those who would like to attend virtually, please use the following zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85321287969?pwd=F1M5tRQXCDIxJhzGcQon1UcFuOkQGN.1
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Blender” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Michael and Debbie McMullen
-
Rob and Brenda Hosie Ray and family, our hearts are broken at the news of the passing of our dearly loved Marie! She was such a loving caring soul with whom we feel privileged to have been so closely connected. She and Rob worked closely together at Newport for much of Rob’s career. Handing over active clients to Marie’s care and attention while taking holidays was always done with FULL confidence that they were in great hands. I’ll always consider that a gift to our family,as Rob was able to be fully present with our boys, knowing that Marie had things covered with exemplary professionalism. But truly, beyond that, Marie was a gift to us in the person she was. She lived her life with such heart, love and care for her friends and family. She always took great interest in our boys and our life together. And we know she took such great pride in her children, grandchildren, and greats. We always thoroughly enjoyed our dinners together where we shared recent events of our life’s journeys. We will forever be thankful for having shared a path through life with Marie who will always hold a very special place in our hearts. We will miss her dearly. Our deepest condolences to each of you.
Much love,
Brenda and Rob Hosie
-
Nicole Collingridge Dear Ray and family,
I met Marie at an open house and we became instant friends. She became my realtor, I became Marie and Ray’s hairstylist.
We have shared so much through the years. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and Ray.
Marie was a warm, kind, generous friend to me and as Ray would say, phenomenal!!! Condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I will her so much!!!
Love Nicole Collingridge
-
Shannon Jackson I was so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing- my heartfelt condolences to Ray and family. I always enjoyed chatting with Marie who was so gracious and witty. She will be missed
-
Richard Chadwick Marie was a Ray of sunshine, To one I have known as Mr. Ray Fabulous Blender .Marie always had a smile and energy about her, Heart felt sorrow to all in Marie’s Family. will be missed.
-
Helen Jones Although Marie and I only spoke briefly at real estate functions, I always looked forward to seeing her. Her warmth and sincerity lifted my spirits. She was well loved and respected by many people and will be deeply missed. Helen Jones
-
Sher Anderson I met Marie at an Open House and though we didnt buy the house, she became our Realtor and very quickly my friend. Her wise thoughts on houses were so valuable. Marie was a warm, welcoming, generous, kind, resourceful. She was a model of honesty and integrity. Lunches with Marie were full of great stories and much laughter. I will miss her.
To Ray and all family, we send our deepest sympathies.
-
Wendy Moreton Dear Ray & Family –
I was so sorry to read that your dear Marie has passed away. She was gracious and funny, and a treasured member of the Newport Realty family, where I met and worked with her for many years. She had a way of making the people around her feel that they were really important to her, and how she managed that with her busy life I will never know. She was a gift to all of us.
Wendy
-
Dale and Kim I am so sorry for your loss Ray. Our deepest condolences to you and Marie’s family. Our thoughts are with you.
-
Ray Pellerin Sorry to hear of Marie’s passing a positive and lovely person always enjoyed being in her and your company Ray. Take care big brother. Ray Pellerin
-
Evelyn McNulty Dearest Ray and Family. Oh such a lovely person. We hit it off from day one … such a wonderful friendship… our Real Estate and teaching connection was a great bond.
Gerry and I send our sincere Condolences…
A true beauty both inside and outside…
Remembered always with love.
May she be Resting In Peace.
Much love Evelyn and Gerry McNulty
-
Bev & Austin Ball Dearest Ray and Families,
I can’t tell you how shocked I was to learn of Marie’s passing. She was an absolutely amazing person and much loved. She was meticulous and professional in manner, had a quick wit and didn’t suffer fools lightly. I am soooo glad I had the privilege of knowing her.
Regards, Bev and Austin
-
Helena Newson Our sympathy to Ray and family. Marie was beautiful and gracious lady and and will be missed by all who knew her.
Helena and Lorne Newson
-
Marie Clark Orring Condolences to Marie’s family.
Blessed are hearts filled with love❤️
-
Richard Acomba So sorry to hear Ray. I remember when I met you and Marie at Royal Lepage. Peggy and Richard.
-
Jo Ann (Varga) Dowell So very sad to hear the news. She was a most beautiful woman inside and out. Remember very fond times spent with my cousins and your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
-
Doug and Joyce Leibel Ray, our prayers are with you. We only met Marie at the Campion High School reunion in Kelowna a few years ago. God bless you and your family.
Doug and Joyce Leibel
Invermere,BC
-
Maureen Troman Ray, Terry, Correne, Roxane & Curtis. What a loss you’ve all suffered in the death of dear Marie, wife & mother. I offer you my sincerest sympathies. Marie was a gentle, kind, loving, supportive & generous human, always a kind word & ready smile.Her beautiful obituary captures the true essence of who she was. She loved & cherished you all dearly.
May you find strength & peace in your many memories.
Rest easy, my friend.
Maureen & Bob
-
Janice Varga, President Torchbearer Xi We are heartbroken.
Marie will be so missed by all her Beta Sigma Phi sisters
-
shannon and gray labrentz We are so sorry to hear that Marie has passed Ray. it is a shock and such a loss. What a wonderful lady she was and cannot imagine the loss you are feeling as well as the entire family.Marie was a force of nature in this world and she will be in the next as well as she looks over all of us keeping us out of harm’s way. Sending peace and love to all of you. much love from Gray and Shannon labrentz. Come say goodbye in my dream please.
-
Gerry Blender Our deepest condolences to Marie’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ray. She was such a lovely lady and was loved.
Love Gerry and Lynne Blender
-
Louise I will always remember a kind and caring friend. She will be greatly missed. I will always remember our mutual love of books and coffee and luncheon visits. We always said that we loved each other after every meeting. Condolences to her family.
-
Donna Nicholas My heartfelt thoughts are with Marie’s family. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. I will miss her.
-
Donna Weaver My heart is broken for all the family. I am so very glad the Marie and Ray came to Regina and we had such a great visit. Always smiling, always a kind word. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.
-
Tori Feldman Our hearts and prayers are with you ♥️
Sincerest condolences, Steph Gagnon and Tori Feldman
-
Diane and Tom Slywka To all of my Dear Cousins,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
I remember so many wonderful and fond memories of Auntie Marie growing up. Bless her heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love and Hugs
Diane and Tom
Dear Ray and family :
We are so sorry to hear of Maries passing. I knew Marie as a peer in the industry and she was always such a kind person with a smile on her face. I loved the story she shared at Rays retirement party on how they met with Ray as her manager. Our condolences to the entire Blender family.
Blessings from Michael and Debbie