February 18, 1995 - January 7, 2021
With heavy hearts, the family of Marie Bernice Soukeroff announces her unexpected passing on January 7th, 2021 in Cranbrook BC. She was born in Trail BC on February 18th, 1995 to parents Vera and Terry. Marie was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie, niece, cousin, and friend.
In her young years, Marie enjoyed spending time with her siblings and cousins growing up in Pass Creek. Favorite pastimes were swimming and playing at the creek in summertime and tobogganing in the winter months.
As a child, she was somewhat reserved, quiet, sensitive, and shy. She had a love for all animals, especially horses. During her school years she completed the Russian Immersion Program. She also played on a local softball team and had a great pitching arm.
In her grade 10 year of high school Marie was crowned Miss Castlegar 2011. This was a highlight in her life. She wrote an amazing and inspiring speech titled "The Person in the Shadow". Marie worked very hard and was rewarded with the ultimate outcome as she got to travel to many places in BC and the United States being a great ambassador for the city.
Her whole family was VERY proud of her. Marie was a youthful and talented young lady who was full of potential.
After graduating from SHSS in 2013, she got accepted to and started attending Eveline Charles Academy in Calgary. Although that never ended up working out for her due to personal reasons, we all knew that she could have been really good at a career in the beauty and fashion industry because she had the eye for detail and courage to pull off looks that many wouldn't be able to. She continued her interest in hair, makeup and esthetics in the years to follow.
Marie was creative and artistic and made some truly beautiful paintings over the years. She also liked to write down her thoughts and wrote some beautiful poems. She took belly dancing classes and participated in some performances.
She loved to spend time in nature, and she had some great outdoor adventures such as scenic drives in the mountains while listening to some great tunes and picking suziki with relatives. She went on some fun road trips with family members which were filled with shopping, concerts, hot springs, and festivals.
Marie was friendly and she had a big heart for the homeless and people who were struggling, and it is notable that she treated them with kindness and dignity.
Marie had an inner fire and spark. She danced to the beat of her own drum.
She liked to joke around, but that was balanced out with her natural insights into life. She often engaged in deep, meaningful, and philosophical conversations about the highs and lows of life.
In the last couple of years, she had been living in Calgary, where she started a candle business. She tried her hand at gardening and was getting good at cooking traditional Doukhobor foods. She would always be facetiming her family and sending them all thoughtful gifts. Marie's style only grew with her big loveable personality. If you would have any questions about make up, she was your go to girl! Even if recent conversations took place only over facetime, it always was like they were picked right back up as if they never ended. Marie had a special bond and close relationship with her mother Vera and they would talk often. In the days before her passing, Marie visited her parents' home. She hugged her mother and told her she loved her.
Marie is gone far too soon.
She is predeceased by her grandparents Tim and Ann Fominoff and George Soukeroff.
She is survived by her parents, Vera and Terry Soukeroff, grandmother Myrna Soukeroff, siblings Alysha Jones (Tyler) and nieces Zoey and Esme, brother Brian, sister Stefanie, and brother Bradley.
Also left to grieve Marie are many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. We all cared deeply for Marie and are grateful to have shared time with her during her life. The precious memories of many moments of fun, adventure, love, laughter and tears shared will stay with us always. Marie loved her family and friends unconditionally. Her dog Zelda ("princess dog") held such a special place in her heart.
May she rest in peace within the unconditional and eternal love of the divine. Her beautiful soul is now free to soar. Marie will be forever missed and remembered with everlasting love.
A private family service was held on Jan. 22nd, 2021 followed by interment in Pass Creek.
"Those who mind don't matter, those who matter don't mind."
"Do not go gentle into that good night, rage rage against the dying of the light"
Thank you to the emergency first responders, paramedics, medical staff at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, Castlegar Funeral Chapel, and to everyone who has reached out to the family with support through messages and phone calls. We greatly appreciate the cards, flowers, food, words of sympathy and memories shared. We are grateful for the care and concern, assistance and kindness we have received during this extremely difficult time.