MARIE E. WILLIS

Marie E. Willis, 86, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., formerly of Nestor Falls, Ont., passed away at her residence Monday, Jan. 7, 2002.
She was born Oct. 25, 1915 in Minneapolis, Mn.
Marie was united in marriage in 1944 to Gordy Willis. She was employed in a large department store in Minneapolis until she and Gordy moved to Nestor Falls in 1966 when they, with partners, purchased Larsson Camp.
Gordy and Marie ran the Rowan Lake end of the operation until their retirement in 1975.
Marie was a very outgoing person and contributed to the support of community functions. She enjoyed the outdoors, and loved her flowers and plants. She especially loved the fall and driving the back roads with Gordy to hunt for partridge and see the beautiful fall colours.
She had a great sense of humour, and everyone enjoyed her wit, jokes, and the sound of her laughter.
Marie is survived by her four sisters-in-law, Mary Kuharski of Fort Frances, Ont., Shirley and husband, Edwin Morphet, of Montreal, Que., Dorothy Matusack of Wisconsin, and Anne Willis of Atikokan, Ont.; one brother-in-law, Jim Willis and wife, Doris, of Iron Bridge, Ont.; niece, Joanne and husband, Mel Hillman, of Hudson, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marie will be especially missed by Judy and Gary Holden of Nestor Falls, Ont. and their son, Greg, and his wife, Janet, and their children, Shayanne, Shelby, and Ty, son, Jason (April) of Fort Frances, Ont. and son, Brad (Jodi) of Emo, Ont.
Marie was predeceased by her husband, Gordy, on June 27, 1988. She also was predeceased by her parents; brothers-in-law, Robert, George, Jack, and William Willis, Jack Kuharski, Wilfred Locking, and Laddie Matusack; and sisters-in-law, Audrey Locking, and Shirley, Elva, Tina, and Elsie Willis.
Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 at 2 p.m. at Nestor Falls United Church. Rev. Barbara Miller officiated, with interment in the Norman Cottam Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Nestor Falls.
Pallbearers were Greg Holden, Jason Holden, Brad Holden, Greg Wise, Larry McMahon, and Bob Locking.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4.