Marianne Nilsson, 91

Marianne Nilsson passed away quietly at the age of 91 years of natural causes, at home in her little cottage overlooking the sea on the Malahat, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Marianne moved back to Canada Jan. 26, 2017, to live with her daughter, Ria Hokanson, and son-in-law Ron Hokanson.

Marianne resided in Sandpoint, Idaho, for 36 years, where she worked at Connie’s Motor Inn for 16 years as a waitress. She enjoyed gardening, picking huckleberries and raspberries, and making pies, cookies, and jam. Prior to that Marianne lived in Mountain View, Calif., then in 1958 she moved to Lake Tahoe, and worked at Harvey’s Resort Hotel and Casino for 22 years as a waitress at the “Top of the Wheel” Polynesian Room.

Marianne was an active snow and water skier, she taught almost everyone she knew how to water ski and do the beach start. She was an active member in the Tahoe Boat Club and Tahoe Yacht Club. Marianne was also natural artist, she enjoyed oil painting, knitting, sewing, crocheting and intricate needle work.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Harry Shipka; sister Kathy Blaskey, sister Patricia Williams, brother Alexander Shopsky, and brother Eddie Shopsky. She is survived by her only daughter, Ria Hokanson; son-in-law, Ron Hokanson; and sister Nancy Guttry.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel with Father Dennis C. Day officiating. Graveside services will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. at the Oden Bay Hall in Sunnyside, where snacks and beverages will be available. If sending flowers, mixed natural field flowers, daisies and wild flowers are Marianne’s style; or make a donation to a charity of your choice in her name.

God bless Mariannie, a beautiful and humble lady.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook, for Marianne, at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.