Marian Evelyn (Ward) Furlong
June 20, 1932 – November 11, 2019
Mom was a special person. She had a spiritual connection to Jehovah God which carried her through her entire life. Her decisions, her counsel and her leadership all gave testament to goodness, fairness and family. Everyone who came into her life benefited from her kind heart and loving spirit.
Her death saddens us, but we know she believes that we will all be okay. And we will – if only because we know that’s what she wants. And, what Mom wants – Mom gets!
The one who will miss her most is her soulmate – Walter Dennis Furlong. They married on September 14, 1950 and were in their 70th year together. Theirs was an enduring example of love that saw them through good times, tough times and a life that was full of surprises, hard work and togetherness.
Muriel Knowles (Tom), Susan Ruffo (Ron), Nancy Furlong, Rick Furlong (Maddy), Robin Bibaud (Mike), Pennie Buck (Jeff) and Tammy Furlong will miss their special Mom. As will her grandkids who Mom adored – Shawna, Jennifer, Thomas, Andrew, Jacqueline, Michael, Coral, Brenda, Denise and Debbie. And those great grandchildren galore – her eyes and smile lit up each time they visited.
Quite the family! Mom was a loving, caring, stern and supportive matriarch. We always knew (often pretty quickly) when we went astray. But right or wrong, Mom would always support us in figuring out what should come next.
We so admire Mom and Dad’s courage and tenacity. They met young. (Rumour has it they were engaged at 9.) They married at 18. Moved away from family and friends in the early ‘60s to make their fortune in the “wild west”. They spent tough years raising us, always putting food on the table and a roof over our heads. And always teaching us right from wrong, the importance of doing right by those less fortunate, and taking care of one another.
Mom’s love sustains us. It is a touchstone that we rely on. Thank you Mom, Grandma and Great-gramma. We love you.
Mom was pre-deceased by her parents, George Ward and Frances May Hookham, her brother Alfred Ward, sisters Lyla Darrah and Ethel Carpenter, daughter-in-law Tina Furlong and son-in-law Tom Knowles. She is survived by her dear sister, Betty Rimmington.
Mom’s family and friends are grateful for the compassionate care she received at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital and then at the Rivercrest Hospice. Donations to the Rivercrest Hospice in Fort Saskatchewan would be appreciated.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 22560 Wye Road, Sherwood Park. Conversation and light refreshments will follow at the Whitecroft Community Hall, 314 – 52313 Range Rd 232, Sherwood Park.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Furlong Marian Evelyn November 11 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta