Marian Elsie SYKES

HAMANN, Marian Elsie - On August 15th 2009, Marian Elsie Hamann (nee Sykes), after a long battle with severe arthritis, died comfortably at home, in the company of close family. Born December 10, 1918, Marian lived a happy and lively 90 years. Daughter of the late Tom and Elsie Sykes, she was predeceased by her husband, Walter and her brother Murray Sykes. She is survived by her children, Paul (Colleen), Cathy (John), Stephen(Joan) and Christina; her grandchildren, and her sister, Marjorie Hadden (Harry). She was the warm, affectionate centrepiece of her family. Her loss is mourned deeply by all of us. Marian was born on a small farm near Moonstone, Ontario in a time when electricity was a rural luxury, when you could drive a car of any colour as long as it was black, when butter was expensive at $.50 a pound, and when a garden was a necessity. She finished High School in Barrie and later worked at Loblaw's in Toronto where she met Walter. They lived in Halifax while Walter served in the navy, but moved back to Toronto to raise their family. Later in life, Marian ran a gift shop, and eventually worked for the IOF in Toronto where she met a group of women who were to become her life-long friends. After her retirement she cared for her ailing husband. There will be a memorial to celebrate Marian's life on September 27 at 2:00 pm, at the Burton Avenue United Church, 37 Burton Avenue, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 2R3. As requested by several family members and relatives, a Memorial Fund has been established to help Christina, Marian's youngest daughter, who faces debilitating health difficulties. We ask that instead of sending flowers, family and friends consider donating either to that fund or the Canadian Arthritis Society. Donations to either cause may be sent to, HENRY WALSER FUNERAL HOME, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2B 2A5, 519-749- 8467, henry@walser.ca. Visit www.henrywalser.com for Marian's memorial.