Obituary of Maren Jessica Garsch
Maren Jessica Garsch
1980 - 2021
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce Maren passed away on December 13th 2021 in her home surrounded by the love of her Mother and Brother. Maren lived with grace and touched countless lives during her short time on Earth. She was an incredibly strong, resilient, independent, courageous person, full of compassion and thoughtfulness. She brought so much love, happiness and caring into this world. She was the daughter of Mary Helen Lyon and Hans Garsch, sister of Andrew (Jesika), and forever fun-loving and silly “Auntie Mare” to Mally and Westin.
Memories of Maren will be treasured by her many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Maren had an adventurous playful, fun-loving side which was always up for travel to far off parts of the world. She balanced that with a responsible and analytical side that made her extremely successful in her profession as a Dietitian at the NICU at Sunnybrook and other hospitals in her career. On road trips, Maren would flip back and forth between Wilson Phillips and CBC radio, equally happy to singalong or discuss world events.
Maren was an accomplished athlete, playing everything from soccer to volleyball and basketball but particularly excelled at rowing while she attended KCVI, Queen's and Western. Rowing fit her driven and determined personality while allowing her to embrace her fun-loving side. In all her years of rowing, she was almost never late for a 5am practice, and was always sticking around the boat house to do extra chores. She started planning the crew’s Halloween costumes in August, was an amateur dance choreographer, and always made sure Britney and Madonna were part of the crew playlist, wherever they went. As an alumni Maren made sure to bring everyone together for “Rowing In The City.” Many life-long friends were made through the sport.
She never stopped learning. From sailing lessons and backcountry skiing to professional learning she constantly sought to expand her horizons and knowledge. She was never stagnate; she was always moving towards some new adventure or goal.
She was supported in her life by some truly wonderful friends. Their support and understanding throughout her journey is a testament to the person she was and will forever be in our hearts. She sent carefully curated and beautifully handwritten cards at every occasion to the many people she loved including on her very last day.
From Maren to her friends: “Always know that I will cherish our friendship that was built over the past years, or decades,
I love you more than words can express.”
Maren,
You will forever remain in our hearts and will be with us every step of our journey in life. We love you more than you could ever know.
With all our love, your entire family and friends.
Donations can be made in memory of Maren to the following:
National Ballet of Canada
Daily Bread Food Bank
Ballet BC
University of Western Rowing Team
Queen's Univeristy Rowing Team
https://www.givetoqueens.ca/project/view/1470
A celebration of Maren's life will take place on Sunday, June 5th, 2022 at Grant Hall on the Queen's campus. Visitation with Maren's friends and family at 2:00pm and a Celebration of Life to follow at 3:00pm. Unfortunately, the christening of the Queen's Rowing Shell in memory of Maren will not be able to take place until the Fall, details to follow.
