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Marjorie BOWER

July 24, 2004

BOWER Marjorie Belle Bower (nee Smith) formerly of Medicine Hat, passed away at home on July 14, 2004. Marjorie was the last surviving member of the RB and Belle Smith family; predeceased by her parents, and sisters, Betty and Roberta. She was also predeceased by her son Frank "Bus" Bower in June 1973. She excelled at all accomplishments, and was awarded the Governor General Medal during high school for her scholastic accomplishments. She attended the University of Alberta, majoring in Chemistry on a full scholarship, before the war broke out. During the war years, she worked as a lathe operator and inspector in Sorrel, Quebec, returning to Alberta after the war, to work as a journalist reporting for the Medicine Hat News, Calgary Albertan and the Red Deer Advocate. Marjorie covered a full page of Red Deer news in the Calgary Albertan, and she was a very factual reporter. She was offered a position of assistant editor with the Southern chain, but she chose to marry Don Bower of Red Deer, on August 18, 1951 instead. Marj is survived by her husband, Don Bower; her three daughters and grandchildren, Robyn Reid, Cleary, Lyndon and Patrick Reid of Red Deer; Margot (David) Poole, and Kris and Steven of Red Deer, Gail Bower of Edmonton. Sister-in-laws Dorothy and Ruth Bower of Red Deer. Marj enjoyed square and round dancing, curling and traveling. She traveled extensively throughout Canada and the United States with their Arabian Horses. Marjorie made friends from all walks of life in her travels. Marj was a tremendous wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a very private person, who lived her faith, and maintained her cheery disposition throughout her six year battle with cancer and its aftermath. She was a very classy lady who treated all who she met with grace, kindness and caring. She had tremendous love for her family. A very special thank you for the family especially to Nora for the many hours and days she stayed with Marjorie, through good times and crises situations. Also a special thank you to Fay, Marion, Jytte, and others. To the staff and Doctors at the Foothill Hospital and the Red Deer Hospital for their special caring. And a very, very appreciative thank you to Rev. Yoos for the graveside service. "You certainly got to know her John." So long to a very courageous lady that lived her faith everyday of her life. Until we meet again. A celebration of Marj's life will be announced at a later date. Donations in memory of Marjorie may be made to the "Kids for Cancer Foundation of Canada", Suite 205, 609 - 14th Street, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2A1.