October 24 1948 December 6 2017 (age 69)
Mariposasings was Marie-Elaine’s email address.
Mariposa means butterfly in Spanish. She truly identified herself!
Marie-Elaine was born in Belize, the only child of Leolin Uter and Josiah Smith. Even as a child she loved to sing. Her father was very proud of her accomplishments and took her to functions where she was asked to sing. As a young adult she moved to New York City in search of her future.
Marie-Elaine had been corresponding with Gary Semanision, her pen pal who was working in several locations around the world. When they finally met they realized they had a future together. They were married in Toronto in 1973 and two years later they moved to Calgary and bought their “cute little house” in Bowness. They became active in the community and in the church.
After becoming a Canadian citizen, she gave back to the adopted country she loved by singing regularly for the Canadian citizenship ceremonies.
Marie-Elaine’s joie de vive was evident in everything she did. She shared her musical talents with everyone – at church, at work, with friends, and the Caribees singing group. She arranged many concerts, some as fundraisers. These showcased her singing talent, and she freely shared the spotlight with her friends.
Marie-Elaine was predeceased by her parents, and by her loving husband, Gary. She felt lost without her best friend, her “Sem” who was the wind beneath her wings. The last couple of years were challenging as she tried to work with this new normal. Her friends were her refuge. She created a family of friends around her who will deeply miss their dear friend, Marie-Elaine.
During her recent illness, Marie-Elaine was visited faithfully by a Stephen Minister from VAPC.
Marie-Elaine was surrounded by seven of her friends as she passed from this life. She leaves two adopted daughters, cousins, step-siblings, and countless friends to grieve her passing.
[Image result for butterfly pictures] A celebration of her life will be held at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (4612 Varsity Drive NW, Calgary) on Wednesday December 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Since Marie-Elaine lived her life in full colour, please feel free to wear colour at this service in her honour.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church – Stephen Ministry program.
Heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff of Unit 54 McCaig Tower, and all the staff of The Salvation Army Agapé Hospice for the selfless love, care, and attention given to Marie-Elaine during her stay.
There’s still time to send flowers to the Celebration of Life at the Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church at 2:00 PM on December 20, 2017.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of MarieElaine Semanision October 24 1948 December 6 2017 (age 69).source

Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta

death notice MarieElaine Semanision October 24 1948 December 6 2017 (age 69)- mortuary notice MarieElaine Semanision October 24 1948 December 6 2017 (age 69)