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
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21 Responses
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 .
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
You are in our thoughts, with deepest sympathy. Her loss is terrible in these most difficult times. Deirdre, Patrick (pod) & Family. Cork, Ireland.