Mrs. Mary Arline Fowler, age 86 years passed away peacefully in Roseview Manor on Sunday, August 29, 2010.
Arline was born on March 25, 1924 in Virden, Manitoba. She was brought up in various communities in Manitoba and was never in one place for very long as she would move with her family and father who was a United Church minister. At the age of 10, Arline became disabled but she never let it discourage her and overcame anything that was placed before her. The Shriners Hospital in Winnipeg did everything they could to bring her back to full health but it didn't slow her down any when they were unable to accomplish their goal. Immediately following high school, at the age of 18, Arline became a teacher in a small rural one room school house. She later worked at a local garage as a bookkeeper. Arline met and married the love of her life, Archie on October 4, 1944 and together they built a life together.
Once moving to Thunder Bay, Arline was very active with her church. She spent close to 25 years in the choir at Current River United Church and was made the choir director. She loved music and was requested as a soloist for many funerals and weddings. Arline was a member of the Lakehead Choral Group and the Rebekah Lodge. She came out of retirement and became a partner with her husband in the family business. She assumed the bookkeeping and office manager role. Arline loved to spend time with family and friends. She also loved travelling with her husband to Arizona every winter. It was the highlight of their lives as well as summers at camp on One Island Lake. She enjoyed playing Bridge and loved animals. She was very faithful and proud of the fact that her brother, father and grandfather were all United Church ministers. Arline was a well rounded, encouraging person, never complaining, and always willing to help.
Arline is survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, Archie; children Stewart (Jean), Sonya Dynes (Don), Ross (Diane) and Marion Fowler (Tom Welden); grandchildren Cathy Wood, Donna Stanley, and Rob Dynes, Debbie Milne, Derek Fowler and Ken Fowler and 7 great-grandchildren. Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.
She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. Dr. J.E. Stewart and Arline Stewart and her brother Rev. Ross Stewart.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Arline Fowler will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 in St. Paul's United Church with Rev. Lloyd Ivany officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time. Private family interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations made in memory of Arline to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
