PETKAU
Marian Ruth
February 17, 1943 - February 17, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mom, sister, grandma and granny on February 17, 2022 in Drumheller, Alberta at the age of 79 years, with close family by her side.
Marian Ruth Kenworthy was born February 17, 1943 in Calgary, Alberta, to Francis and Mary Kenworthy. She enjoyed her childhood in Rockyford and had fond memories of growing up on the family farm. On August 15, 1964, she married Henry Petkau in the Rockyford United Church – where she was baptized as a baby and sang in the choir in her teenage and young adult years. Henry and Marian had three children – Karina, Barry and Rob – and lived in numerous Alberta communities from the Peace Country to the Big Country throughout their marriage. They divorced in 1993, but in the 2010s they enjoyed a friendly relationship, with Henry joining us for many holiday dinners at Marian’s home.
Marian took office administration training at Alberta Vocational College in Calgary twice – first in the early ’60s and again in the early ’90s. She went on to serve as a school secretary at Drumheller Composite High School/Drumheller Valley Secondary School for many years.
It was very evident by her beautiful English Garden flowerbeds that Marian loved gardening and had a green thumb. She enjoyed sharing her bountiful garden harvests through the means of legendary and coveted jams, pickles, relishes, and dill-pickled carrots with family, friends and hangers-on across Western Canada.
But the hobby Marian was best known for was hospitality. She loved to provide a warm, friendly environment for her family to gather for various occasions (including no occasion at all). She served sumptuous, impeccable meals and delicious desserts – not necessarily fancy fare, but always excellent. Her favourite meal was roast beef and potatoes; a highlight dinner for friends and family members who visited her over the decades.
Humble, loyal, spiritual and practical, Marian loved to laugh and had a wry sense of humour. She doted on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always had a treat at the ready, to help dry a tear or diffuse a squabble.
Marian was predeceased by her parents Francis and Mary Kenworthy, brother Jim Kenworthy and his wife Gail, son-in-law Patrick Zambo and beloved canine companion, Sally Ann. She will be cherished by many, including:
• Her daughter Karina and husband Brett, Karina’s daughter Kassandra and husband Calvin and their daughters Emilia, Elyse, Everly and Esmae.
• Her son Barry, his ex-wife Lisa and their two sons Riley and Ashwin.
• Her son Rob, his wife Karen and their two sons Heath and Ian.
• Her brothers and their wives: David and Kelly, Ron and Paddy, and Roy and Joanne.
• Extended family, friends, neighbours, co-workers and students who she befriended over her lifetime.
Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements. 403-823-2666.
At Marian’s request, there will be no memorial service. A gathering of close family members will be held at a later date.
