Marjorie Rigaux

It is with great sadness that the family of Marjorie Ella Rigaux, nee Kowalchuk, announce her passing on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the age of 93 years. 

Marjorie was born September 24, 1924, the eldest of 5 children, to Belle and George Kowalchuk in Willingdon Alberta.  She grew up on a farm, learning the value of hard work, but also the importance of family and love of her Ukrainian Heritage.  After a short 6 months of Normal school she began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse near Vegreville.  She soon moved on to Strathmore, and then Pincher Creek, with summer adventures of working in Waterton, and Calgary to supplement her teaching income and to keep her in the clothes and shoes she loved to wear. 

She married Harry Rigaux in 1948 and began raising a family which grew to 8 children.  Marjorie temporarily left teaching to raise her family, but returned to it after the birth of her youngest son.  In 1965 she faced the end of her marriage, and the death of her eldest daughter.  Times were tight, but Marjorie managed to raise her 7 children, ensure they got through school and on to higher education if they wished.  She returned to University herself to get her Bachelor of Education degree.  Throughout her life mom was a bright, curious and inquisitive person.    As we left home and her income increased, she began to fulfill a long desired dream of travelling.  She spent three summers at the University of Hawaii, where she studied puppetry under the tutelage of Kermit Love, Jim Henson’s mentor and the inspiration for Kermit the frog.  Marjorie returned to Alberta and over the next decade, conducted many puppet making workshops throughout the province.  Many of her former students still have the puppets they made in grade 5. 

Marjorie was very involved in the Alberta Teachers’ Association, serving on Provincial committees in Teacher Welfare, and Professional Development.  Her teaching passion was Social Studies, and she was proud to be seconded by the Department of Education to train teachers in the New Social Studies curriculum.  Marjorie was the proud recipient of the Alberta 75 Anniversary medal for her work with Pincher Creek Cultural Affairs.  After retiring from teaching Marjorie became an avid quilter.   Her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews all were the happy recipients of her new hobby.  She also became a marriage commissioner and conducted many weddings throughout Southern Alberta.  Marjorie was predeceased by her parents, George and Belle Kowalchuk, eldest daughter Betty Rigaux, youngest brother Marshall Kowalchuk and sisters-in-law Shirley and Patricia Kowalchuk.  She is survived by her 7 children, Jean (Ken) Murray, Jack (Susan) Rigaux, Doug Rigaux, Audrey (Jim McBain) Jackson, Maggie (Rick Cook) Rigaux, Richard Rigaux, and George (Cate) Rigaux; 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, honorary grandson Cody Plumb and honorary daughter Martha Astorquiza Enriquez.  Sisters Eileen (Peter) Young, Mae (Bill) Yuchem, brother Henry Kowalchuk, sister-in-law Audrey (Dale) McRae, and many nieces and nephews. 

Marjorie was an active member of the Pincher Creek United Church and the Pincher Creek Quilters for many years.  She was residing at Vista Village at the time of her passing and the family is very grateful to the staff for their superb care and concern.  Rest In Peace mom, you fought the good fight and have earned your eternal rest.  We love you for the person you were.

A memorial service for Marjorie will be held later this spring.  Donations in her memory may be made to The Good Samaritans Vista Village in Pincher Creek. P.O. Box 1510, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0  or to The Pincher Creek United Church Memorial fund, P.O. Box 3037, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

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