ANDERSON, Marie
March 14, 1922 - September 30, 2013
Hannah Marie Andersen was born March 14, 1922 in London, Ontario to parents Ruby and Randolph Saugstad. Her father worked for the Dept. of Fisheries in BC so, after her birth, they returned to Rivers Inlet and the Norwegian community of Hagensburg where Randolf was raised, until she was five years old. At this time, they returned to London, Ontario where she lived until she married the love of her life, Svend Andersen, on September 4, 1943. They met and married while Svend was in training in the army before he headed overseas. Once the war was over, they resumed farm life in the small Danish community of Dalum where Svend was raised. They resided there until 1980 at which time they retired and moved to the Shuswap. They returned to Alberta in 1989 and lived in Airdrie for 14 years and made their final move to Three Hills in 2003. Marie was born with a natural talent for music. She played the piano either by note or by ear and it was a very large part of her life. She was an organist at several churches throughout her life but was the lady who could sit at the piano and play by ear whenever there was a group gathered who wanted to sing. School concerts, Sunday school, church services, weddings, funerals and just for fun sing a-longs – Marie was always willing and able. And she loved it. Farm life was a challenge for this city girl but she pitched in and made it work. Coal oil lamps replaced the electric lights of the city; an ice box replaced the refrigerator; and bless her, the old coal stove replaced the gas stove and became a constant source of frustration. The outdoor biffy was also a rude return to nature she didn’t really appreciate. There are so many stories of the changes she made so willingly. Marie’s other love was the written word. She was an avid reader – always at least one book on the go. She loved books with depth and meaning. She also loved to write – wrote journals all her life; wrote endless letters and notes of love and concern to all her family and friends when there was a need. She never missed anyone’s birthday or anniversary and many of us will miss finding a letter in our mail box addressed in her handwriting. Marie suffered most of her life from arthritis. Her feet deformed when she was young but it never deterred her from staying active. She was an avid gardener – loved to cook and bake – and her house was spotless. She loved to dance and did so with joy. She raised three children and spent endless hours doing all the things moms do. She loved to have company and entertain. Her children and grandchildren never really understood her pain in those early years. As the arthritis advanced it created problems in her back, hips and shoulders to the point she had a hard time sitting on a piano bench anymore. Her hands became so deformed she could no longer play. Walking became impossible. It eventually landed her in Long Term Care where she passed away from complications on September 30, 2013, at the age of 91. Marie is survived by her husband of 70 years, Svend Andersen of Three Hills; son Dale (Delia) of Calgary; son Rick (Sharlene) of Memphis, TN; daughter Barbara Rosgen of Three Hills; Sister Audrey Hannigan (Norm) of Waterloo, Ontario. She also leaves ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. She will be missed by everyone who ever knew her. A Celebration of Marie’s Life will be held November 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at Dalum. All her friends and family are welcome to come bid her farewell at this time. We love you and are so happy you are finally at peace.
