Parcourez la nécrologie de Marie Holer Molek Friday September 6th 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles.
Holer, Marie (nee Molek) – Passed away peacefully at Greater Niagara General Hospital, comforted by her loving son Peter and daughter-in-law Amira on September 6, 2024. Cherished grandmother of Lailah, Lidiah and Brooke. Beloved wife of 46 years to the late John Holer, predeceased by her husband John and son Johnny Holer. She will be sadly missed by her many family members, nieces, nephews, friends and employees of Marineland.
Marie was born in Stari Lok, Slovenia on August 25, 1940. In 1952, at the age of 12, Marie and her mother (Theresa Molek) emigrated to Canada and were welcomed to the home and farm of her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and John Cesar. In the early 1960’s she completed a hair dressing course and shortly after, opened a hair dressing salon on Queen Street in St. Catharines called the “Petite House of Beauty.»
In 1973 she married John Holer, who at that time was a young entrepreneur working away at his visionary Marineland Park. The couple insisted that the wedding reception be held the old fashion way in a relative’s home. Reflecting their lifelong commitment to traditions and close family ties, the couple’s wedding was celebrated with a reception hosted with much excitement and joy by her cousin Aloyzia Atalick (nee Cesar) and her husband Ernest at their home in St. Catharines.
Marie tirelessly participated in the day-to-day operations of Marineland for over 50 years, following a strict regimen and work ethic. Marie loved her animals at the Park and made daily visits to see them, her favourites being orcas, belugas and dolphins.
Marie loved her Slovenian heritage, particularly music, and was a long-time member of Lipa Park. She also enjoyed Andrea Bocelli and Elvis Presley. But most of all, she loved the traditional Slovenian polkas, waltzes, ballads and folk songs she grew up with and which Walter Ostanek played at the Park for many years to entertain guests.
Many guests who came to Marineland knew her not only as a devoted wife, but as a kind and friendly hostess, where warm hospitality and generosity were abundant and unequalled. She valued her family, and every summer for many years she would host a legendary family picnic at the Park. On the other major holidays, Marie and family would never miss participating in lavish family dinners with the Cesar, Atalick, Markulin or Molek clans, all of whom have fond memories of happy times they shared with Marie.
Marie’s life and family are intertwined with the story of Marineland.
Since Marineland first opened, Marie was an integral part of bringing joy and happiness to millions of families and their children for over sixty years. Unfailingly kind and polite, she set a standard of grace and courtesy for every member of the Marineland family to follow.
Facing terrible grief, losing both a son and husband in a few years, she assumed leadership of the Park in 2018 and moved forward with determination. With boundless energy, she galvanized everyone and entered into an Education, Conservation and Research Agreement with another leading aquarium, brought in trains, new rides, a unique marine splash pad, repaired and renovated, and introduced penguins, a children’s favourite. She cared for every living thing at the Park and insisted they all, be it whales or trees, receive the best care that could be provided.
While Covid had a crippling effect on the entire amusement park industry, Marie displayed calm leadership, resolve and determination throughout the toughest period in Marineland’s history. Recognizing the need for a strategic evolution, Marie then moved the Park forward towards new ownership through a professional and sophisticated process.
Throughout, she maintained a deep respect for and unfailing politeness to every employee and all her guests. She remains an inspiration to all of us who had the privilege to work with her. While she always referred to herself as “just” a Slovenian “farm” girl, she is, and always will represent, the true caring “heart” of Marineland to everyone who knew her. She will be sorely missed and always remembered as a wonderful, inspirational person.
Marie is resting at Morse & Son Funeral Home, 5917 Main Street, Niagara Falls, where her family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 10th from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. Funeral mass and interment will be held privately. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Lipa Park, Our Lady of Peace Church or to Autism Ontario.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morseandson.com
Friday September 6th 2024
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Décès pour la Ville:Niagara-Falls, Province: Ontario
avis deces Marie Holer Molek Friday September 6th 2024
nécrologie Marie Holer Molek Friday September 6th 2024
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