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
21 Responses
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.