84 years old

By Barb Reitz, Golden Years Society

The Routhier family arrived in Fort McMurray in the spring of 1967. Marie was the mother of five and had two more children after moving here.

Marie soon became involved with Minor Hockey Ladies Auxiliary working the concession booth to raise funds to offset the registration costs for hockey school. She then took on the role of treasurer for Minor Hockey.  While working with her husband (equipment manager), Marie helped maintain the uniforms by laundering, repairing, and cresting. She was awarded the Sportswoman of the Year for her role in supporting the development of minor hockey in the region.

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Twenty years ago, Marie became involved in organizing the Wood Buffalo Country Fair. She gradually assumed the duties which included sponsorships, and entries, recruiting judges and assisting in the set-up of displays. As treasurer,  she was responsible for the disbursement of prize money.

In 2012, Marie became involved with Lakeland Senior Games as Arts and Crafts Coordinator. Today she holds the position of Membership Director for our zone.

For 10 years, Marie served on the Allocation Committee, working with community volunteers to review applications and make decisions on funding allocation to United Way agencies.

Within the Roman Catholic Church, Marie has served as a church reader, facilitator, and communion minister. Acted as sacristan-laundering, sewing, and repairing linens. She was honoured for 50 years of service in 2017 and has been the secretary of the Parish Council for three years.

At the age of 50, Marie joined the Golden Years Society. She was working full-time with the Catholic School Board, and when she retired, she served one term as the secretary, continuing with crafts, quilting for bazaars, and assisting with large quilts for raffles. She is now a director on the Board, and helps out in many other ways.

Marie is the recipient of the Senior of the Year Award (2017) and the Ministers Seniors Service Award (2017).