RASMUSSEN, MARYANN
December 28, 1951 – October 26, 2016
It is with a broken heart that I must announce the passing of my beautiful wife, Maryann Rasmussen. She was born the fourth of four children to Fred and Elma Raketti in 1951. Raised in the Twin Hills area of Drumheller, she forever cherished her memories of playing in those hills with childhood friends and of the very close relationships formed with the family of Sam and Mamie Raketti where two brothers had married two sisters and the children called themselves “double cousins”. We were young and in love when we married in 1970, she was only eighteen, and people thought we were setting out on a foolish venture. How fortunate you might be to be fools such as we. We had forty six wonderful years together sharing the joys and sorrows which life brings. We raised three children who were her pride, her joy and her best friends. Maryann was a private person, not seeking attention but more comfortable within a familiar circle of friends and those who knew her as a friend know how loyal a friend she was. The arrival of grandchildren and the thrill of seeing them grow and thrive gave her a sense of fulfillment which she richly deserved. Although she had endured numerous health issues in recent years the end came suddenly and unexpectedly and our family is so grateful that we were able to be together in the final days and hours. Maryann was predeceased by her parents and an older sister, Edna Mae, who died in childhood. She is survived by her loving husband, Gerald, of Dalum; Jason (April), Arowyn and Finn Rasmussen of Drumheller; Jeff (Sonia) Jacey and Hallee Rasmussen and Xander and Raiden Kipling of Delia; Jill (Rasmussen) and Kenny Glover of Rosedale. She also leaves her brothers Alan Raketti (Charlotte) of Duncan B.C., Wayne Raketti of Penhold, Ab. and their families. A private family service will be held in our home preceding a community “come and go” memorial coffee party to be held at the Dalum Community Hall from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 12. Our family is so grateful for the life Maryann shared with us, for the love and support offered by our friends and neighbours at her passing and for the genuine compassion and understanding shown by Lisa Jacques at Courtney-Winters Funeral Home. Those who wish to make memorial donations may consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Drumheller & Area Humane Society or the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at Dalum.Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.
