Marie Theresa Clark

It is with sadness that the family of Marie Theresa Clark (Berze-Sochowski) announces her passing on April 17, 2024, at The Salvation Army AGAPE Hospice, in Calgary, Alberta. She was 94 years old.

Marie was born August 28, 1929, to James and Elaine Berze in Hillcrest, Alberta. Marie and her beloved younger sister, Helen (Hopkins), were raised by their mother from an early age. She graduated from the Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing in 1950 and went on to study operating room nursing at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. Although her nursing career was short, the profession was always part of who she was.

In 1958, Marie married the love of her life, Alexander Joseph Sochowski, and moved to Cranbrook, BC, where they built a home and a life. The community, Catholic church, and close friends were important to both. Marie and Alex had one daughter, Sandra, whom they cherished. They loved children and wanted more; however, sadly, Alex died suddenly in 1965.

Marie married Ray Clark in 1967 who passed away less than a year later.  From that marriage she gained two loving stepdaughters Judi and Janis, and families.  

Marie had many friends. Her door was always open and her candy jar full. She enjoyed golfing at Silver Springs and played until the age of 92. She was well known for her ability to one-putt and never lose a ball. Her after-golf antics will not be forgotten, especially by all those who joined her. She enjoyed travelling, playing bridge and cards with friends and her long-term partner Al, who predeceased her.

In her later years, she gained a wonderful new family at the Manor Village of Varsity. We would like to thank everyone there for their kindness, and friendship over the years especially during her last months.

Marie took great pride and joy in being the matriarch of our family. Her sense of humour brought us many laughs over the years. Her stubborn, independent nature challenged us often but likely was the reason she lived to 94. When we told her we loved her she would always tell us that she loved us more.

Her unconditional love was given to her grandsons Kyle and Reece Anderson; in return, they took the most loving care of her.

She was proud of Kyle, who reminded her of his grandfather, Alex. Nana was delighted when Kyle married Kirstin (Zimmer) then two years later they presented her with her with her great granddaughter, Sutton Joy Marie.

Reece had a special relationship with Nana. She adored it when he would spend the day with her which of course included raiding her candy jar and cupboards. She was proud of all that he did. It made her happy to see Reece and Carly together.

Deeply grateful for the life she shared with us and missing her always will be Sandra, Kyle (Kirstin and Sutton), Reece (Carly), Judi (Walter, Darren, Tracey, Bob) and Janis (Cam, Anoushka, Indiya, Kerry, Kevin, Ryan and Ali) as well as Lorraine Lyster and family.

Our family would like to thank the staff at AGAPE Hospice who were exceptional. Their dedication to ensuring that Marie and our family were cared for with respect and dignity was unsurpassed. Marie appreciated all the staff but especially the ones who let her enjoy long baths and who sat with her when we could not be there.

In her memory, she had requested that you consider donating to the Salvation Army or Agape Hospice in Calgary. www.salvationarmy.ca

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 10:30 am in Cranbrook, BC at St. Mary's Church. Interment to follow at the Cranbrook Catholic Cemetery.

Her kindness, radiant smile and twinkling eyes will be remembered always.

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