Marianne Geyer

On Saturday, August 15, 2020, we lost an amazing person - Marianne Geyer. She was 88 years old.

Marianne was the wife of Wilhelm Geyer, and with him left behind a legacy of two children, Jo-Anne Roth and Norbert Geyer; 7 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren all of which were impacted by her love and generosity throughout her many years of her life.

Marianne was born in Roedgen, Germany, to Anna and George Wolfe on April 24, 1932, and had one sister, Melitta Fieberg. In her younger years she lived through and survived the Second World War, leaving her with many qualities that would impact her life. Throughout her life in Germany, she thrived and in 1951 Marianne caught the eye of Wilhelm Geyer at a Train Station in Friedberg. They became a couple and she brought many things into Wilhelm’s life, one being that she taught him to dance and he became smitten with this Auburn beauty. They won many dance contests together. Three years later they were married on January 15, 1954 and had their first child in 1956, Norbert. In 1958 Wilhelm came to Canada for the first time, his wife Marianne followed with their son Norbert. In 1960, after having their second child, Jo-Anne they returned to Germany for a while. However, it would not last long, as they longed to come back to the open spaces of Canada which they had grown to love and called home.

Marianne, a hairdresser, had many skills and worked hard all her life and did whatever she had to in order to provide for her family. She worked to clean hospital rooms and offices when her children were young. She took on many different professions as she and Wilhelm wished to continue to see all of Canada, so they moved frequently. Over the years she lived in most of the provinces and even one state for a short time. They spent most of the time fishing, watching hockey (mom’s favorite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs!) then later in life, tennis. She was an avid shopper, loving all the things she was denied during the war, filling her home with beautiful things.

She and Wilhelm settled a few times for a while in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Calgary and more, but finally settling in Peachland, BC for 30+ years. While in Peachland, she was close to both of her children and watched them raise their own families - supporting them and even working with them. Marianne touched many lives while working at the O So Good Restaurant for 12 years with her son, Norbert. Jo-Anne also worked alongside her for a few of those years.

Much like her daughter, Marianne, loved horses and animals and came to have a small hobby farm raising horses above Peachland. They lived there until they retired to Summerland and then to West Kelowna where she was diagnosed with cancer. She then moved to Ridgewood Lodge in Princeton, BC when her health started to fail. She fought cancer for 9 long years! Her daughter was always by her side in her journey with cancer and she remained very close to her daughter, Jo-Anne, throughout her life. Jo-Anne continued to help care for her.

In the 2 ½ years at Ridgewood Lodge, Marianne also grew close to many of the residents and staff who she charmed with her wit and her motherly advice. Wilhelm joined her in her last year of life at Ridgewood. He missed her and she missed him. They had a double room decorated with all of Marianne’s treasures and her beloved cat Gizmo also was allowed and was with her until the end. She was very fortunate to be surrounded by love until the very end.

Marianne lived a long, sometimes difficult and rich life. Words cannot simply express how much she did over her 88 years of life. She was an amazing strong person, who we all admired! In her final years, she became truly focused on her family; she loved her husband Wilhelm of 66 years with all her heart, she adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and made efforts to show her love in any way that she could. Even when battling cancer, she held strong by the love of her family and will to live. She made you laugh and filled your heart with love. Marianne will leave a hole in many hearts. She will live forever in all our hearts. Love you Marianne, Mom, Oma and Ur Oma.