September 10, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
With sadness, we share news of the peaceful passing of Marian Ruth Schalm (née Valleau), 88, on Sunday, September 10th, 2023, in Salmon Arm, BC.
Marian is predeceased by her husband Henry Schalm.
She is survived by her son Warren Schalm (Terry), daughter Wanda Schalm (Al), and three grandchildren, Philip (Keltie), Rachel (Chris) and Trajen (Celia).
She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Theo, Arietty and Poppy, and is remembered fondly by her brother Allen, sisters Jean, Myrna and Hazel, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.
Born and raised in Wainwright, AB, Marian was an avid softball player and a budding entrepreneur who owned and operated her own car wash. She loved cars and trucks and was one of the first people to own a Studebaker in the Wainwright area. Her many roles in life included wife, mother, telephone operator, school bus driver and taxi driver.
Marian met her husband Henry while attending Bible School in Edmonton and they were married in October 1958. They lived in North Vancouver, BC, Squamish, BC, Wainwright, AB, Pemberton, BC, and Houston, BC, before settling permanently in Salmon Arm, BC in 1963.
Until loss of vision forced her to stop driving, Marian loved being behind the wheel. She passed on this passion to her children and grandchildren and it was most evident during her 24 years of driving taxi for Yellow Cab in Kamloops as an owner/operator.
She always drove nights and had a long list of regular customers who would specifically request Car 55. She hated flying, but this didn't stop her from seeing much of Canada and the US through her car window.
Marian had a special talent for finding quirky and interesting toys that never failed to captivate and amuse her grandchildren. Visits with grandma were highly anticipated and, between visits, postcards, letters and packages, plastered with stickers and tape, arrived on almost a weekly basis. She played a mean game of crokinole and never ceased to keep her grandchildren entertained and challenged.
Those who knew her well will remember Marian as a unique and deeply spiritual person who lived life her own way. Although never one for the limelight, she loved being with other people and always took a genuine interest in their lives. She is and will continue to be missed by all those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Red Cross in her honour.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14th, at Fischer's Funeral Home in Salmon Arm, BC.
Condolences and memories of Marian may be shared through her obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com
Service Details
2:00 PM