Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maricel Piercey (Oloriz, Marcy, D’Atayde) on Sunday, October 24, 2021. Also known as Maria, Maricel, Marce, Ma, Mama, Bita, Sissy, Auntie Maricel, Auntie Marcy and Chica. She was known by many names and was many things to many people. A wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Maricel is survived by her Fave Sidekick and husband Gord Piercey whom she loved fiercely. They married in 2005 after a courtship that began at a Tragically Hip concert where they were introduced by Gord’s best friend Eliot. Over the years, they have had many adventures all over Vancouver Island, a road trip or two around Canada, the US, as well as some time spent in Mexico. Together, they created a beautiful blended family and Maricel will be deeply missed by her children; Desirée James (Jay), Sean Marcy (Mandy), Rebecca Piercey and Meghan Piercey; as well as her grandchildren, Jacob James and Granddaughter on the way. Along with her siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family, Maricel is survived by her Girlies – Tanice, Sharon, Karen, Jodie, Cathy, Terry, Maria and Pam, to name just a few.

Maricel was born in Manila, Philippines to Eduardo and Ana Oloriz. In 1964 the family, with the new addition of her sister Ana Marie Fleming (David) and sister on the way, Bernadette McCormack (Andy) moved to Canada to begin a new chapter. Landing in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, they explored Canada, getting used to the cold winters and enjoying time in the mountains. In 1974, several years after the final sibling, Martin Oloriz (Christine) was born, Ed was moved to Holland for work and brought the whole family along. They had many adventures throughout Europe before returning to Canada in 1976.

Maricel loved animals. All animals. When asked by a friend if we knew the story of when she saved the squirrel, the response was ‘which squirrel?’. Growing up, she brought home all kinds of animals that were in need of  a little extra care; squirrels, cats, bunnies, dogs and birds. Maricel almost always had a dog or two which led to one of her first entrepreneurial undertakings when she opened her dog walking business and kennel in her home.

On brand with her many names, Maricel had many jobs throughout her life. She often worked in sales and spent several years working for Clearnet/Telus where she made many memories. Maricel had an entrepreneurial spirit and it wasn’t long before she started to work for herself. After closing her dog walking business due to a major car accident, Maricel did many things including becoming a published author; a certified hypnotherapist and energy healer, along with making and selling her own pottery, and painting. She did this while peppering in a few side hustles selling various things like environmental urns, lotions, household products and doing marketing for various companies including Gord’s hockey stick repair business. You never knew what she would get into next.

Following their wedding in 2005, Maricel and Gord spent their honeymoon in Cowichan Bay where they fell in love with the area and soon after moved out to Vancouver Island. It was not long before they were joined by her mother, sister, brother and their families. Maricel loved living on The Island surrounded by forests, lakes, creeks, the ocean, and all of the animals. She loved to forage and go for daily walks with her doggie, Ollie. She also loved to camp with Gord and spent many nights out in the trailer immersed in the nature she loved so much. If you were looking for a tour guide of the best spots to experience The Island, she was your girl. She loved showing off her island and all of her favourite spots. With the wonderfully long growing season, Maricel took full advantage by planting and harvesting her own food. She loved to cook from the bounty in her garden and took great joy in talking about the recipes that used ‘her ingredients’.

Maricel taught us all how to live in the moment. How to connect with the earth and everything around us. She taught us how to break the rules and how to get away with it. She danced to the beat of her own drum and lived her life in her own way, by her rules.

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Maricel heard the music and danced regardless of whether anyone else heard it. She was larger than life, a force to be reckoned with and her spirit will be forever felt by those who knew her.

So come, my friends, be not afraid.

We are so lightly here.

It is in love that we are made;

In love we disappear.

-Leonard Cohen

A gathering was held in honour of Maricel at the family residence on the evening of October 28, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to your local SPCA or The Raptors Centre in Duncan https://pnwraptors.com.