Marie Heidinger

1936 - 2018

Marie Katherine Heidinger (nee Pierson), beloved wife of the late Derry Heidinger, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children in Raymond on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the age of 81 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, August 16, 2018 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday, August 17, 2018 between 12:00 P.M. and 12:40 P.M.

The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, August 17, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. A private burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

Marie is survived by her children Sally (Bill) Gemmill of Lethbridge; Darren (Sherry) Heidinger of Stirling; Jayne (Chris) Ward of Taber; Trish Heidinger (Steve Ulrich) of Medicine Hat; DanaRae (Darryl) Anderson of Magrath; her grandchildren Stewart (Carma) Gemmill, Charles (Valerie) Gemmill, Darren (Megan) Gemmill and Andrew Gemmill; Kaylee (Devon) Orr, Kara (Jason) Wynder, Tasha Heidinger, Mathew (Katie) Heidinger and Michael Heidinger; Eilidh Ward and Liam Ward; Cassie Skarland, Eric Skarland and Rowyn Ulrich; Desirae (Max) Erickson and Kennidy Anderson; her great grandchildren Lillyan, James, Rose, Thomas, Brogan, Lincoln, Finlay, Breyker, Rhett, Charly, Nora, Beckham and Oaklyn. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis (Ken) Armstrong of Calgary; her brothers Wayne (Joan) Pierson of Taber and Terry Pierson of Coaldale; sisters-in-law Sandra Pierson of Medicine Hat and Ruth (Don) Roth of Medicine Hat: her brother-in-law David Heidinger of Lethbridge and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Marie was predeceased by her husband Derry “Frederick” Martin Heidinger; her parents Clifford and Viola Pierson; sister Maxine Pierson; brothers Glen Pierson and Kenneth Pierson; sister-in-law Noreen Pierson (nee Murphy); sister-in-law Joan Pruden (nee Heidinger) and brother-in-law Ron Pruden; brother-in-law George Heidinger and sister-in-law Gwen Heidinger (nee Cooper).

Marie was born November 21, 1936. Marie enjoyed life growing up on the farm, helping her dad with the chores along with her loving family. We have heard many stories of her wonderful aunts spoiling and spending time with her. She went to school in Taber and in high school, was a member of the 4H Calf Club. Marie attended BYU for one year, upon her return she worked as a telephone operator in Taber.

Marie married the love of her life Derry Heidinger on April 26, 1958. She continued her love of farm life with Derry in the Burdett area. Marie would often help by driving tractor or truck, bringing many delicious meals to the field and participating in branding, round up and milking cows.

Marie was beautiful, vibrant, talented and hard working with a strong faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was an excellent example of service and was often on an errand of helping others. Marie was a dedicated journal keeper and was a good cook and would often share. She was a hard worker and although she may have felt inadequate she would buckle down and could get anything done.

Marie had a zest for learning, she was always reading. She took piano lessons and played piano in the Relief Society. Marie took the medical secretary course and received her certificate. She took craft and sewing courses to help beautify her home.

Marie taught Seminary for many years, her love and testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, vibrant personality and her true concern for each of her students made her an excellent teacher.

Marie was a School Bus driver for thirty two years and she loved the time spent with all the school children over the years. In the fall, she worked at the beet dump in the scale house and loved it.

Of Marie’s many loves, her favorite was her family which was reciprocated back to her by each one, down to and including her youngest great grandchild. Her home was a place of much love and laughter. She leaves us all with many wonderful memories.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Marie’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 www.cancer.ca, a charity close to her heart.