In loving memory ~
Violet Marie Piffer was born on Friday, November 30, 1923, in Terrace, British Columbia, the second child of Frederick Milford Hall and Cassie May Hall (née Bailey).
In 1936, at the urging of her parent's friend, Kate Braun, she became a member of Knox United Church. (Braun's Island in Terrace is named for Kate Braun and her husband Robert.)
Marie Hall left Terrace in 1942 to complete Grade 13 and business school in Chilliwack, her mother's hometown. After graduation, she worked in various offices in various towns in southwestern BC, returning to Terrace in 1949.
Shortly thereafter, she joined the choir of Knox United Church. Marie was actively involved with the church for the rest of her life, organizing teas and fund-raising events as well as volunteering for bookkeeping duties and financial audits.
For those who knew Marie in the 1950s, '60s and '70s, her name will always be associated with International and Pacific trucks and the local trucking industry. It was at that time-the Golden Age of the forest industry in Terrace-she began work as a bookkeeper and later, as an accountant, for two local truck dealerships. Eventually, she became an equity partner in a third International Harvester truck dealership.
In the early 1960s, Marie was also involved in the start-up of Terrace-based Trans-Provincial Airlines. This was in addition to her regular work.
Beginning in 1985 and for nine years after, she served as an accountant and financial officer for Isolite-Stege, a joint Japanese-Canadian industrial operation sited in Hazelton.
Marie worked professionally almost her entire life, beginning at age fifteen and not ending until retirement at age ninety-eight. Interestingly, she never actually applied for any of the positions she held-the jobs always found her.
She was a keen gardener, a skilled and prolific knitter (much of her output destined for various Knox bazaars) and a talented baker.
Marie is remembered for being a devoted mother and grandmother, always enjoying the activities of her seven grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her sisters Frances Olsen and Freda Mallory and brothers-in-law Cyril Olsen and Robert Mallory. She is survived by her children James MacDonald, David Piffer (Margaret), Heather Loutitt, Grant Piffer (Betty Barton); grandchildren Deanne (Andrew), Jonathan, Alan (Jenny), Colleen, Graeme, Suzanne (Tim), Andrew (Laura); great-grandchildren Cameron and Matthew, and nieces Rosemary Mallory, Celeste Olsynn, and Dianne Olsen.
The family would particularly like to thank grandchildren Jonathan and Colleen and their mother, Kathleen MacDonald, for the excellent care Marie received during her final years.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 20, at 2 p.m. at Knox United Church in Terrace, with Reverend Wally Hargrave officiating.
Service Details
Celebration of Life
Saturday, May 20, 2023
2:00 PM
2:00 PM
Knox United Church, Terrace, B.C.