1923 ~ 2017
Marty was born November 8, 1923 to Nellie and Herman Sielaff at Jacksonville, Oregon, joining her sister Lilli (3 years) and brother Darrel (9 years). Soon after the family moved to Ashland, Oregon. When Marty was just a baby her father died, leaving her mother to support the family, which she did by having a daycare at her home. So, the next five years, until her mother remarried, was spent with many children around. Her new father was an accomplished fiddle player, so music became part of family life – lots of singing and learning to chord along with the violin. At times, would entertain the neighbours with a musical evening. To everyones delight a baby sister, Ida Jane joined the family.
In 1936 the family moved to Monroe, Washington. When Marty started her high school days she soon became involved in the extra activities offered. Favourites were the glee club, drama group, gymnastics, and loved being cheerleader her junior and senior years. She started dating Leonard Simon her junior year, and they were married after both graduated in 1941. A marriage that lasted 68 years, and produced three children; Carolyn, Jack and Martin. Three grandchildren; Glenn and Lesley Funfer and Elise Simon. Four great-grandchildren; Dyson and Jace Wasyliw, and Sawyer and London Mitchell.
When Len was drafted to serve in World War II, being sent overseas, Marty got a job in the payroll dept. of a frozen food company. She also joined the Monroe Congregational Church Choir, and before long became their choir director, which she did until Len returned home and decided to move to the Cariboo area of BC to start a bush mill. So in 1954 Dugan Lake, a mill cabin became home. A far cry from what she was used to, but she quickly became involved in volunteering music classes at the 150 Mile red school house, became one of the founding members of the Cariboo Music and Drama Festival, and after building their home on Williams Lake became a founding member of the Community Arts Council , choir director of the St. Andrews United church choir (which she did for 36 years) and directed the Cariboo Seniors Carolers for 26 years, finally retiring at 85 years old. She also worked with Bev Haskins, keeping Compassionate Friends (parents who lost children) going for 10 years. Her other loved hobbies were her flowers, sewing, crafts and travelling to exotic places each spring.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister-in-law Lilli, brother Darrell, son Jack, daughter Carolyn, husband Leonard, brother-in-law Ken Reed, granddaughter-in-law Lisa Ann Funfer and four nephews. Survived by son Martin, granddaughters Lesley and Elise, grandson Glenn, great grandchildren Dyson, Jace, Sawyer and London, Sister Jane, adopted brother Don DeFord and wife Lylah, Jeanne and many nieces and nephews.
Marty loved life, family and friends
“what more can you ask for”
and “be sure to always keep a song in your heart”
A funeral service will be held on Sunday February 5, 2017 at 1:00 pm, at the United Church in Williams Lake.
Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 250-392-3234
www.cariboochilcotin.ca