Obituary of Nonnee Marlee Garvey

GARVEY, Nonnee Marlee (nee Reiman)

It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I must announce that Nonnee passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020. In keeping with her wishes she remained at home to live out her final days. Nonnee was born September 2, 1951 in Wadena, Saskatchewan. She was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Adeline Reiman, and is survived by her loving husband of thirty-nine years, John; and her brother Randi. Nonnee’s initial education was in Bagdad, Iraq where her father worked for The United Nations. They left just before the Revolution of July 1958. Her father had to spend time in Paris, France where she saw many wonderful sights. On graduating from Campbell Collegiate at seventeen, she enrolled at the University of Regina in the Faculty of Education. She started teaching at nineteen with a two year standard certificate, completing her B Ed at night school. Nonnee went on to a thirty year career in teaching, making many friends along the way. She was proud to hear that so many of her students had gone on to successful careers in many different fields. Nonnee’s other great passions were travelling and shopping (especially shopping). She shopped in Venezuela long before the troubles, Fiji, Wales, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Nonnee’s special place was Phoenix, Arizona. I do not believe she missed a mall after thirty years of travel there for Easter break. Nonnee ferociously fought a twelve year battle with cancer and as a result managed to more than double her expected life span. Over the years Nonnee and her oncologist, Dr. Mirjana Zarkovic became good friends to the point where she said if Dr. Z were to relocate her practice then she would move with her. On her behalf I would like to thank the nursing staff of the Allan Blair Cancer Centre and more recently the Palliative Home Care team (and the compassionate caregivers) who helped her through her final days. I would also like to express my thanks to Dr. Brian and Mrs. Elizabeth Laursen for the help and support through this difficult time. Without them, I do not know how I would have survived. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in, Nonnee’s name, may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, through the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, 200-4545 Parliament Avenue, Regina, SK  S4W 0G3.