Obituary of Marie Grace Boeckner

Boeckner, Marie (Meindl)

Marie passed away at the Chatham Kent Hospice on Thursday, August 24, 2017, with her children Patricia (Ian), Jim (Maureen) and Tom (Gail) at her side. Predeceased by her husband, former Ontario Provincial Police officer Vernon BOECKNER (December, 1993), sister Margaret and brother Bill.  She leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Marie was born in December 1920 and was the daughter of the late Francis and Josephine (O'Sullivan) Meindl. She grew up in Kitchener, Ontario where she worked as a secretary at the Geiss foundry before marrying Vern on his return from overseas at the close of World War II.  Following Vern's O.P.P. training, they were posted to Essex Detachment for thirteen years before being transferred to Chatham.  Always athletically inclined, Marie got the family involved in golfing at the then Indian Creek Golf Course and she and Vern began their passion for the game, playing in various leagues, on trips to Florida, and attending PGA tournaments.  Golfing, and later curling, also gave rise to the establishment of life-long friendships and, on giving up her regular Tuesday morning ladies' golf matches at the age of 92, Marie continued Bridge and card playing and socializing with her TOF (Tired Old Farts) buddies.  Following Vern's passing, she developed a close friendship with fellow TOF, George Sulman.  Mom was able to stay in her family home and enjoy her gardens (which she and George lovingly and expertly tended), until a month before her passing - accomplishments of immense personal joy and pride for her.  A gathering will be held to celebrate Marie’s life, at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON, on Saturday August 26, 2017 from 2-4 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, Marie and family would gratefully appreciate donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice, a facility which she supported and of which the citizens of Chatham can take great pride.  Marie's family would like to extend their thanks to the fourth floor Medicine nurses and doctors at Chatham General Hospital and the nurses at the Hospice for their loving and selfless care. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040