WILLIAMSON, Mariette Jeannine

1939 –2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mariette Jeannine Williamson (nee Paquette), a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital following a brief sudden illness on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the age of 86 years old. Mariette was born on Thursday, May 4, 1939, in Debden, Saskatchewan. Being raised in Debden, Mariette was taught by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary throughout all her years of schooling. During her grade twelve year, she asked her parents to go to the Marcelin Convent as a boarder of the Presentation of Mary to take a stenographer and bookkeeping course. After completing her course, she returned home and took over her mother’s job as a secretary and bookkeeper at her father’s garage, Northern Motors. She loved her career and was well liked, especially by the “old bachelors” and made many friends throughout the surrounding towns and villages. During this time, she also did some court reporting in Northern Saskatchewan and Debden. After a few years, she ventured out of the family business and home and went to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and got a job at Social Services. It was there she met and fell in love with her future husband, Charles Williamson. They married in Debden on May 24, 1965. They enjoyed many good times and friendships while working for Social Services. After their marriage, Charles went to work for Indian Affairs and they were transferred to Broadview, Saskatchewan, and then shortly after to Yorkton, Saskatchewan. While in Yorkton, they became proud parents to a baby girl, Carla. A few years later, Charles and Mariette decided to pull up roots and return to Debden to take over her father’s garage business, renovating the body shop into a convenience store called “Mariette’s Lucky Dollar Store”. After a few years, they sold the business and moved to Red Deer, Alberta, where Charles started a career with Travelaire Trailer Canada Limited. Mariette worked for Sears and sold many sewing machines. They made lasting relationships during that time, and they took many trips with the famous Travelaire. Charles organized the famous Travelaire Rally, consisting of activities and camping in which many families, friends, and employees enjoyed themselves yearly. Being both entrepreneurs, they then decided to own their own business once again. They went to Camrose and bought the Lincoln Mercury Dealership. Their dealership flourished. They enjoyed many years in Camrose. After quite a few years, they decided to sell their business and retired in Blackfalds to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. This time, they also took time to travel. One of Mariette’s favorite holidays were their three months in France. At the age of 65 years, Mariette was hired by the Public School Board as an Educational Assistant for French Immersion. She worked at different schools during her ten years with the Public School Board, her dream job. She absolutely loved the students and staff and made many friends. Blackfalds was their home until Charles passed away on January 4, 2008. Mariette then decided to move back to Red Deer, Alberta. Mariette volunteered at her beloved Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years with hospitality, she loved greeting newcomers and making them feel welcome. She also brought communion to the sick at the hospital. Mariette was a staunch advocate for the Prolife campaign on Friday afternoons at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church parking lot, and to this day, made many lasting friendships. She also belonged to the Catholic Women’s League and took great pride in being a member to this group. She also took a position for a few years as an usher for the Centrium for the Red Deer Rebel hockey games, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She also had many hobbies such as quilting, petit point, and crystal art. She had a beautiful collection of petit points adorning her walls. Mariette will be sadly missed by her daughter, Carla Evasiuk (Brett); grandchildren, Taylor Fox (Braydon), Kayden Deitz (Brooke), Tyler Evasiuk; her siblings, Lorraine Moody, Sister Lise Paquette, Gerard Paquette (Linda), Jacques Paquette (Rachelle), Jean Paquette (Janet), Genevieve Kristian (Brian), Florence Lett (Doug); sister-in-law, Clemy Paquette; and brother-in-law, Ron Williamson (Veronica). Mariette was predeceased by her husband, Charles; her brothers, Bernard Paquette and Andre Paquette (Ruby and Patricia); and her brother-in-law, Jim. Many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff on the palliative care unit for your kindness, compassion, and care during this difficult time. We will always be grateful for the peace you brought to our family. We also thank the Prolife group for their many prayers and visits and the many friends, nieces, and nephews for the visits and caring during Mariette’s short illness. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in Mariette’s honor. A Funeral Mass was celebrated in Mariette’s honor at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5508 – 48A Avenue, Red Deer, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-11-28
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com