MARIE HOWARD (nee Leschyshyn) passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on February 12, 2008 at the grand age of 101. Marie was born at home on May 7, 1906 at Marco, Manitoba, one of a family of 16. She was predeceased by her husband Ed, her parents, Michael and Anatasia Leschyshyn, brothers and sisters-in-law, John (Ann), Henry (Betty), William (Louise), Mack, Alec, Matt (Anne), Stanley (Kay), Peter (Mildred); sisters and brothers-in-law Anna (Mike) Kukurudz, Tennie (Sam) Trakalo, Elsie (Steve) Trakalo, Thelma (Steve) Kasprick, brother-in-law Alec Yurie, son-in-law Bill Harrison. She is survived by her sister Nell Yurie, sister-in-law Carol Leschasin, daughters Elaine Harrison and Thelma Howard, grandchildren Vanessa (Rick) Maclean, Tim (Deanna) Harrison, great-grandchildren Patrick, Sean and Brendan Maclean, Elizabeth Harrison, and her nieces and nephews and their children.

Marie grew up on a farm and after marriage continued farming life in the Marsden District in Saskatchewan. She had many talents, all self taught. Her green thumb was evident in her flourishing gardens producing record sized tomatoes, a cellar full of preserves and lovely floral landscaped yards. Her sewing skills outfitted her daughters and herself during ""Dirty 30's"" as well as sewing school concert costumes. She continued this skill outfitting grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love of writing was pursued as district correspondent for four local newspapers. No one can forget her baking prowess she was famous for her buns, especially cinnamon rolls, and fruit pies. Her special delight was to be assisted by her great grandchildren in making buns, cookies and cakes. Her pride in her Ukrainian heritage was evident each year when she made the traditional Easter breads.

She and Ed spent many happy days with their camper fishing for the ""big one"" at their favourite haunts Loon Lake and Big Island Lake. Each fall they would return home loaded with blueberries and high bush cranberries. Marie took an active interest in politics being a staunch supporter of the CCF since its inception, of Tommy Douglas and the New Democrats. When the farm was sold Marie and Ed moved to Lloydminister. During that time Marie used her artistic talents creating award winning Christmas yard decorations and continued gardening, filling the whole backyard. After Ed's death in 1986, Marie moved to Lethbridge. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her, providing her with a wealth of quotable saying and good times. She reveled in the role of ""G.G."" She was proud to be able to celebrate her 100th birthday along with the city of Lethbridge. She was honoured by a visit from Mayor Bob Tarleck who presented her with the key to the city. A surprise visit by her Manitoba relatives, friends and neighbors made her day.

Up to a few days before her death she was active with the help of her walker and kept up to date reading the news.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at ST. VOLODYMYR UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 715 - 13 Street North. No flowers by request. If desired, memorial tributes in her name may be made to the New Democratic Party, #103, 519 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G8 or to UNICEF.