Nona and Paul, friends of many decades, since China. Unforgetable memories of our lives. With my deep sympathy to Paul, Rick, Robert and their families. Also Rita Foisie, Nona’s dear sister.
Sunday, 21 January 2018 15:11
Irene Dumka
Nona was a very dear friend of mine in Shanghai, China. We grew up together and spent many days at each other’s homes. Even when we both left China we kept in touch. Nona and Paul moved to Vancouver which allowed us to see each other occasionally as I was living in Victoria and still do. It was terribly upsetting to hear this very sad news. My condolensces to the whole family. Sorry I was unable to attend the Celebration of Life as I was out of town.
Sunday, 03 December 2017 21:31
Margaret Cheung
Nona, my first singing teacher: Thank you for your wisdom and generosity. You opened my world up to opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have had without you. I am glad to have been in Vancouver to say a proper goodbye.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:47
Daphne Squire
Dear, dear Nona, a cherished friend, a wonderful teacher and mentor. I will miss her encouragement, her thoughtfulness and her wonderful ability to bring out the best in all of us. Good bye, dear Nona, our world has lost a very special lady.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:46
Michael Holland
My deepest condolences to all the family. Nona was such a beautiful person. After 15 years of untrained singing in bands in the UK, I moved to Canada and met Nona. In every way, she completely revolutionized my singing ability! She really made an incredible impact on my life and I shall always be thankful, and will always miss her.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:45
Catherine Windsor
Nona was a great teacher, an inspiration to all her students, a joy to know and a lovely friend. I will miss her smile, her love of beauty and her friendship.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:45
Dayle Sanders
Nona, such an inspirational, strong and loving woman. I was so blessed to have had such a dear friend and exceptional teacher! There will never be another Nona, she truly was the “wind beneath my wings”. I will miss her dearly!
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:44
Marina Bailey
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.We shared many wonderful times with Nona and will miss her. Love to the family, Marina and Jeff Bailey
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:43
Sonya Mari
I was saddened to hear that Nona had passed away. I met Nona when I was an impression able 19 year old and was immediately bewitched by her style, vivacity and immense talent as a singer and voice teacher. I have never forgotten the kindness and caring she extended me as a mother-in -law. With hearfelt sympathy and wishing you comfort, Sonya Mari.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:42
David Woodhouse
A spirited and hugely talented lady , Nona had a tremendous impact on my life and , indeed , I am sure , on the lives of all who spent time with her. When last I saw her , she was helping John fix the zipper on his sweater…….by the side of her needy loved one and there for him as she had been for so many in her life. How she will be missed.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:41
Andy Thoma
Nona was a wonderful lady and a great vocal teacher.She understood the vocal instrument and helped many singers develop their special talent and always with that beautiful smile.Im honoured to say I was able to study with her.I will miss her advice and encouragement and will take with me and call on the techniques she taught me always. Love you Nona.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:40
Students Singers Choir
To NONA MANON MARI.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
With love from all your Choir, Student, Singer’s.
Thursday, 30 November 2017 19:37
Aviva Lacterman
I still can’t believe that beautiful Nonechka with her “siniye glaza” (light pure blue eyes) has gone… My mother Dawne Lacterman (Dye) was studying with her when I was a little girl and my first memory of her was at the restaurant “Sophie’s” in gas town which had opera singers performing every weekend. It was after one of the shows where my Mom had performed and she was sitting at a table eating a sumptuous steak with many other singer friends surrounding her. I could not keep my eyes off her and wished so badly that I was a part of her world. It wasn’t until age 15 that I began studying voice with her, and I it was a match made in heaven. She understood me so well and also acted as my psychologist and confidant during my teens and into early adult life. Throughout the years I visited and kept in touch with her.
Your gorgeous voice, perfume and soul will remain etched in my memory and heart forever. I love you!
Wednesday, 29 November 2017 21:54
Simon Kwan
Nona was a wonderful teacher. She took interest both in my musical life as well as my personal life. I remember well Nona’s Christmas parties, especially the one where Nona arranged to have her psychic friend to give a reading to those of us who stayed until the wee hours of the morning. Nona used to make me laugh when she sang the Chinese song “Mei guei, mei guei, wo ai ni” (Rose, rose, I love you!)… and who can forget the scale on the word “Huy”! Nona always had perfect hair regardless whether the lesson was at 9am or 9pm. I have many great memories of hanging out at her place with Jane, Elenor, Alex and Stephen. I do regret that I did not keep in touch after I left Vancouver so many years ago. I will always remember you Nona with great fondness. Thank you Nona.
Wednesday, 29 November 2017 16:24
John Windsor
One day I hope to write a book about my life (purely for the fun of it and for family), and I know already that it will comprise “chapters”. There will be a chapter dedicated to learning to sing, which I never did till I was almost fifty. Nona was my wonderful, strict, patient, smiling, sometimes intimidating but always supportive teacher. Without her this chapter of my life would not have happened. I will always appreciate my many hours with her, and I will miss her.
Tuesday, 28 November 2017 19:29
Stella Dean
It was my privilege to know Nona these past couple of years. My condolences to her family.
Tuesday, 28 November 2017 13:34
Helene McDonald
Nona was my teacher for many years, my mentor and my friend. Her nurturing spirit, warmth and positive attitude were pivotal in my life. I will always remember her with gratitude and affection.
My sincere condolences to her family.
Tuesday, 28 November 2017 11:42
Tim Foisie
Deep condolences to Paul, Rick, Rob, John and other family members and close friends of Nona Mari, my dear Aunt.
Whenever we were together, Aunt Nona had tremendous positive energy which I always felt; it was a level much higher than most people I’ve met. Aunt Nona was incredible in that way. So fortunate that she was part of my life.
Thursday, 23 November 2017 03:45
Lorna Olson
I saw you a week before and you were beautiful as ever. So many good times, dancing at the Hyatt Big Band and baking your famous prune cake. Love you. L.O.
Monday, 20 November 2017 10:30
Judy Mari
It is with great sadness in the presence of Robert, Jazmyn, Linda, Riley, Brandon Mari and myself that we witnessed the passing of Nona, November 9, 2017 at 14:30h. I am eternally grateful to have known her through my relationship with my loving husband Robert. Nona had overcome many challenges in her life and was truly a very good role model for me. As the years went by, as I got to know her and appreciate her in the many different roles she felt strongly about, Nona took care of everything, acknowledging and considering everyone surrounding her. Nona Mari, a true Matriarch, with many talents as an artist, opera singer, teacher, gifted in many ways with a strong will to continue learning, different visual Art forms, painting, calligraphy… handlling her finances and trying to keep up with the times. Nona touched many lives. I am also blessed to have met the people in her life.
May you rest in peace,
Il y a longtemps que je t’aime, jamais je ne t’oublierai.
With love, Judy Mari
Saturday, 18 November 2017 19:02
Robert McQueen
Nona was the most wonderful teacher ~ not only of voice, but of life ~ I was an awkward and shy 16 year old when I started studying with her and Nona cajoled, pushed, urged and lifted me with her brilliant sense of humour and her tough love. I still feel her influence today. Rob ~ my condolences to you and your whole family
Robert McQueen
New York City
Saturday, 18 November 2017 18:49
Stephen Salvati
Dear Nona. I will never forget you my friend and teacher. Thank you for all you have given me. Love Stephen Salvati
Stephen Salvati,
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Saturday, 18 November 2017 18:21
Adele Clark
End of an era. A powerhouse of a woman. She touched many peoples lives. Rest in Peace Nona
~
Adele Clark,
Vancouver, British Columbia
Saturday, 18 November 2017 18:20
Eileen Koochin
Sincere condolences to all the family.We remember with affection all the wonderful parties and singing. Bill and Eileen Koochin
Eileen Koochin,
West Van, British Columbia
Saturday, 18 November 2017 18:20
Jacci McTavish
My dear Nona; Our memories go on and on – you were and are treasured friend.
Saturday, 18 November 2017 18:19
Gregory Foisie
I will always cherish the memory of my Aunt Nona who has been generous and kind to me throughout my entire life. Her graciousness and joy in living served as the foundation of our extended family’s times together. Nona’s warm and vivacious spirit remains a blessing to me and a lesson in the capacity of each human being to live a full and inspirational life.
Gregory Foisie,
Los Angeles, California
Saturday, 18 November 2017 18:17
Robert Mari
A memorial service will be held at 3:30pm on Tuesday, November 28th, at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver
(949 West 49th Ave. Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2T1 – corner of 49th and Oak St.)
MARI, Nona Manon, born July 8, 1931 in Shanghai, China, passed away November 9, 2017 in West Vancouver, BC, Canada (86 years old). Daughter of Benjamin and Eva (Segal) Van-Tschurin and Sister of Rita Foisie, this beloved mother, singer and teacher leaves behind her husband John Viken and three sons Paul, Richard and Robert and their wives Kathi, Linda and Judith, as well as 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Nona lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 1951 until 1967 when she moved to West Vancouver. She was first happily married to Dr. Paul Peter Mari in Shanghai in 1950 and came to Canada shortly after. Together they had 3 sons and were married until Paul’s death in 1977. From 1981, she enjoyed a loving relationship with Val Godoroja and his 3 children (Andrei, Tania, and Lucy) until his death in 1987. Since 1994, she has been happily married to John Viken. A memorial service will be held at 3:30pm on Tuesday, November 28th, at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver (949 West 49th Ave. Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2T1 – corner of 49th and Oak St.) Please see www.nonamari.com for up to date information and to sign the guest book. No flowers please. If you wish to donate, please contribute to Cancer Research or Prevention.
To NONA MANON MARI.
