Obituary for Marna Ruth Whitfield (Cross)
WHITFIELD, Marna
January 27, 1936 - March 28, 2023
Family and friends are heartbroken at the loss of Marna aged 87, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Marna is lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by her children: Dulcie Price (Darrell), Joanna Whitfield, Leslie Whitfield (Daniella), grandsons: Lowell Sostomi (Jubilee) and Joseph Rousal. A Registered Nurse since 1957, Marna was dedicated to the care of her patients until her retirement in 1999. She was a firecracker. After her retirement at the age of 60, Marna took up roller blading then embarked on a 25 year journey of volunteer nursing and adventure travel. She spent months providing care to those in need in India, Guatemala and Haiti. She then traveled for pleasure well into her 80’s visiting Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Her love of music best defined her. An accomplished singer, pianist, organist and accordion player, Marna played for several churches and sang in various choir groups over the years. One of her most memorable musical experiences was performing with the Chapel Singers choir of St. Catharines at Carnegie Hall at the age of 73. She loved her grandson Lowell’s music and never missed an opportunity to see him perform live. No matter how raucous and loud his shows were, Marna could be found in the front row, beaming with pride. Service to others also defined Marna. In addition to many of her other volunteer endeavours, Marna was with Meals on Wheels for 28 years, sometimes serving clients much younger than her 85 years. The past two years as a resident of the Anchor Pointe retirement community were a wonderful experience for Marna. She forged many friendships, enjoyed new activities and lived life to the fullest. Her countless loving friends both lifelong and new are a testament to her dynamic warmth, generosity and sense of humour. She was so appreciative of the friends and family who visited her in the hospital during her recent illness, sharing a story, laugh or holding her hand in silence. Marna’s family would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to the doctors and nurses of 5 A at St. Catharines General Hospital who so lovingly cared for her in her final days. The family would also like to acknowledge the outstanding and thoughtful staff of Anchor Pointe who made Marna’s life so joyful. A Celebration of Life will be held for Marna at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Anchor Pointe, 540 Ontario St., St Catharines. Parking is available in the rear of the building and at nearby Jaycee Park. In keeping with Marna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
January 27, 1936 - March 28, 2023
Family and friends are heartbroken at the loss of Marna aged 87, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Marna is lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by her children: Dulcie Price (Darrell), Joanna Whitfield, Leslie Whitfield (Daniella), grandsons: Lowell Sostomi (Jubilee) and Joseph Rousal. A Registered Nurse since 1957, Marna was dedicated to the care of her patients until her retirement in 1999. She was a firecracker. After her retirement at the age of 60, Marna took up roller blading then embarked on a 25 year journey of volunteer nursing and adventure travel. She spent months providing care to those in need in India, Guatemala and Haiti. She then traveled for pleasure well into her 80’s visiting Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Her love of music best defined her. An accomplished singer, pianist, organist and accordion player, Marna played for several churches and sang in various choir groups over the years. One of her most memorable musical experiences was performing with the Chapel Singers choir of St. Catharines at Carnegie Hall at the age of 73. She loved her grandson Lowell’s music and never missed an opportunity to see him perform live. No matter how raucous and loud his shows were, Marna could be found in the front row, beaming with pride. Service to others also defined Marna. In addition to many of her other volunteer endeavours, Marna was with Meals on Wheels for 28 years, sometimes serving clients much younger than her 85 years. The past two years as a resident of the Anchor Pointe retirement community were a wonderful experience for Marna. She forged many friendships, enjoyed new activities and lived life to the fullest. Her countless loving friends both lifelong and new are a testament to her dynamic warmth, generosity and sense of humour. She was so appreciative of the friends and family who visited her in the hospital during her recent illness, sharing a story, laugh or holding her hand in silence. Marna’s family would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to the doctors and nurses of 5 A at St. Catharines General Hospital who so lovingly cared for her in her final days. The family would also like to acknowledge the outstanding and thoughtful staff of Anchor Pointe who made Marna’s life so joyful. A Celebration of Life will be held for Marna at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Anchor Pointe, 540 Ontario St., St Catharines. Parking is available in the rear of the building and at nearby Jaycee Park. In keeping with Marna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca