Obituaries

Marya "Maria" Victoria Bice

February 20, 1932 - January 01, 2023

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Obituary For Marya "Maria" Victoria Bice

This beautiful, selfless lady passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at 7:17pm, with her family by her side, at the age of 90 years. Although we will miss her terribly, we know that she has no more pain.

Maria was born on February 20, 1932, in Spirit River, AB, to William and Helen Woienski. She went to school in Codesa, AB, and after WWII met and married Gilbert “Gib” Bice. They homesteaded southeast of Codesa. After Gib passed, Maria remained on the farm until 10 years ago when she moved to Pleasant View Lodge in Spirit River. She mentioned just two weeks ago that the Lodge had been good to her.

She was the hardest working person we know. Such a tiny lady packing five-gallon pails of chop to the steers, her and Gib bringing newborn calves to the house in the middle of the winter to keep them warm. Maria helped with spring work and harvest, and in her spare time did the cooking and cleaning. She made the best pierogies, cabbage rolls, and Christmas cake. Maria's gardens were huge and bountiful. In her later years, she was the meal person for seeding and harvest - two hot meals a day delivered to the field. She would get so excited and say “I have employment”. She made beautiful rugs with small pieces of fortrel sewed on to a heavy backing (all with her old treadle sewing machine). We all have benefited from her embroidery work, pillowcases, runners, dresser scarves, and table cloths. She was just amazing.

Maria has left to mourn her passing: son Kevin (Sherry); daughter Clara (Kelly); grandson Terry (Christine) and their children: Cole, Maryn, and Emery; as well as step-granddaughter Robin (Dallas) and their children Kolby and Karis.

Maria was predeceased by her husband Gib; parents William and Helen; as well as sister Emily.

It was Maria's wish to have no funeral service. Cremation has taken place and she will be interred in the summer next to Gib, at Pleasant Heights Cemetery in Eaglesham, AB.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fairview Health Complex for their outstanding care and compassion. Also thank you to Dr. Nik Majaesic, Team Rosa, and Team Ann.

In lieu of flowers and memorial donations, it is our family's wish that you spend the time and money on your family and loved ones. Take them to dinner, enjoy their company because life is too short.

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Condolences

  • January 10, 2023

    Condolences to Kevin and Clara and families. I fondly remember your parents from many years ago when Bill and I would visit with Aunt Julie and Uncle Buzz on the farm. All such beautiful people. Cherish your memories.

  • January 10, 2023

    Our condolences to Maria's family. Fond memories of visits with her and Gib meant coffee and lunch no matter what time of day it was and there was always one of her braided rugs to put under our feet so they wouldn't get cold. Roy and Judy Campbell

  • January 10, 2023

    The last time I saw Aunty Marya was on a trip home from Grand Prairie with my dad Nick. We were driving past Uncle Gub and Aunty Maria's land and we saw the biggest 8 wheel monster articulating tractor pulling the world's largest plow...it stopped and out jumped Aunty Marya, she must have recognized dad's. She wore a Crimson vest and jeans. She whipped under the fence and came to the highway and we had a great old jibber jabber. I will always remember her determined smile and fresh face. It was a special time when we got to visit with them , Kevin and Clara....very deeply imbedded fond memories. Our condolences to the Bice and Thain families

  • January 08, 2023

    Sorry for your loss, I can see her sitting with the old gang, having a good visit. She was a lady who was alway willing to help her neighbours and did. .

  • January 07, 2023

    Maria was one of the kindest and hard working person we knew. She will be missed and we are saddened to hear of her passing. We just her Christmas card in December and love to hear from her. Our sympathies are with the family. Lawrence & Val Towpich

  • January 07, 2023

    Condolences to the family. Vern & Susan Larson

  • January 06, 2023

    Our condolences to you Kevin and Sherry. May you treasure all your memories. Dave and Ida-Marie Robertson

  • January 06, 2023

    My sincere condolences to the families. May your memories of Maria bring you comfort during this difficult time. I got to know Maria well a few years ago when I would walk my dog Farley past the lodge. She would love to play with him & he enjoyed the attention as well. We had many nice visits on the bench outside the lodge. Maria was sincere when she spoke and didn't "Beat around the bush"! I loved that the most. RIP Maria🙏❤️

  • January 05, 2023

    I am so sorry for your loss . Maria was one of the kindest ladies and a very hard worker. I remember visiting there with my Auntie Ann and she was very kind and hospitable. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. Sincerely Sherry Schatz( Geleta)

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