It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, mother-in-law, granny, great-granny, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and friend to so many. In the spirit of all the wonderful and cherished traits that Audrey possessed, she left this world on her own terms; as a feisty, determined, independent, and courageous woman. Audrey waited for her favorite day, the Sunday, and is now resting peacefully with her Lord and Savior in Heaven.

 

Audrey was born to parents Irene (nee Monet) and Arthur Marchand. Audrey grew up in St. Germain and later moved to Winnipeg after leaving the Sanatorium where she was treated for tuberculosis in her early 20’s.

 

Audrey is pre-deceased by husbands, Raymond Lafond (2000) and Harold Cox (2008). Audrey is survived by many who loved her dearly. Her children; Keith, Kevin and Claudine (Jeff); grandchildren, Justin (Michelle), Troy (Jessica) and Samantha (Jorden), Jeff Jr., and Ashley; great grandchildren, Alexis (Lexie), Maya, Lauren (Lou-Lou), Emily (Emma) and Carly; sister Beverley(Wilson) Temple and brother Barry (Darlene) nephew Harold (Kristene), and great-nephews and niece, Ryan, Michael, Kyle, Nathan and Cassandra.

 

Audrey was a spiritual, loving, fiercely independent and strong woman who overcame tuberculosis in her late teens and later battled cancer. She did not dwell on her health, rather she lived her life to the fullest. She had such a positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life and was truly an inspiration. Despite the many health challenges she faced over her lifetime she remained steadfast and determined to do things her way. Nothing could keep her down including her years recovering from TB when she would ‘escape’ from the Sanatorium to see her son and friends. Not surprisingly, when diagnosed with terminal cancer, she surpassed the anticipated prognosis for survival and we were so blessed as a family to have so many joyous years to cherish this time together and not take any day for granted.

 

Audrey and Raymond were married in 1962. They raised their family in Winnipeg and then relocated to Gimli when Raymond retired in 1991 where they remained until Raymond’s passing in 2000. Audrey worked in the serving industry and volunteered at the community center and for special events. Audrey was a very sociable and active person who enjoyed floor curling, golf, bingo, painting and was a master crokinole and bridge player. Audrey loved spending time with her family and friends and was so much fun to be around.

 

Audrey later remarried (Harold) and remained in Gimli after Harold’s passing in 2008.  In 2011, in anticipation of her first great-grandchild and to be closer to family, Audrey returned to Winnipeg. Audrey was a regular at Grant Park mall where she was well known by staff and would strike up a conversation with anyone she met. She continued to visit the mall right up until shortly before her admission to Riverview.

 

Audrey stayed in contact with her friends from Gimli over the years and made many new friends at the Eastern Star Chalet where she lived out her last years.  Audrey could be found under ‘her tree’, gathered amongst friends, sharing stories and keeping each other company. Audrey always kept treats in her walker basket to give to the neighbourhood dogs that she knew by name.

 

Audrey was an avid animal lover and had many pets over the years. Audrey loved spending time snuggling with her daughter and son-in-laws’ Yorkie-poo and she will be dearly missed by Sophie. Sophie spent the last couple of nights of Audrey’s life at the Grace Hospice on watch dog duty, and could be heard protecting her by barking at staff as they came in to care for her during the night.

 

Special thanks to mom’s very kind primary care physician, Dr. A. Al- Jafari, and all the wonderful, compassionate staff at Riverview and Grace Hospice. Thank you to the Palliative Home Care Team, case coordinator Sarah, nurse Jen, Community Therapy Services physio, Carol and occupational therapist Gwen who all played a valuable role in assisting Audrey to live as long as was safely possible in the community.

 

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held in her memory (date to be announced at a later time). Please check back on this website in a month or so for details on date and location.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.

 

Special memories from the family:

 

Kevin

Our mom had a kind heart and was generous and loving to everyone. We had a lot of good times together at the Grant Park Mall where we would meet up for lunch and sit and talk on the bench. Our mother’s love lives in our hearts forever.

Love always,

Kevin

 

 

A Poem by Keith (Sonny-Boy)

​

Mom took her time

When time was near

She left us with

Memories dear

She loved us all, everyone

From youngest child

To eldest son.

Her voice, her smile, her gentle touch

All of these we’ll miss so much

As we bid a sad adieu

We, as one, shout we love you

 

Claudine

Mom, some of the things that will always remind me of you are: ABBA, Tammy Whynette, red lipstick, anything red, game shows-especially Jeopardy, true crime shows -our favorite Dateline, the National Enquirer, turkey neck, burnt toast, your tree, sitting on the porch having a coffee.

 

I will never forget the time you went to Assiniboine Downs with your friend Shirley and we couldn’t get hold of you when you failed to return at a ‘reasonable time’. You never stayed out past dinner time so when it was getting dark, and still no signs of you we sent out the troops (Jessica and Michelle) to go looking for you. The sense of first, relief when they found you and then ‘scolding’ you for coming home so late and worrying us so much. I blame watching too much Dateline for this!

 

I am so grateful for the last time we spent outside together on that beautiful, sunny, Tuesday afternoon, on the stroll through the beautiful park behind the Hospice, pushing you in that wheelchair up and down those hilly paths, over the grass to avoid the steeper paths, joking that I was going to let go and let you go for a ride, taking selfies on the park bench, and your smiling face. What a great afternoon that was. It was the little things that made you happy.

 

Your forgiving nature, strong work ethic, compassionate and caring personality, selflessness, generosity, acceptance, honesty, love of family and friends, are treasured qualities that have shaped me to always strive to be the best person I can be and to never give up in what I believe in.  

 

I am blessed to have heard your last words, “I want to go home” before you drifted off into that deep sleep. You are home now mom. I miss you dearly and I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven.

 

Love Claudine

 

Jeff

Audrey was quite easy to please on the culinary front but if you didn't "burn" her toast or put enough BBQ sauce on her ribs she wouldn't hesitate to let you know about it. The same could be said for any Cab drivers that dared to take an alternate route. Even though she didn't drive she knew the “logical” routes. We will certainly miss her straightforward approach!

​

Claudine had something going on at work so I offered to take mom to get her screened for a Handi-Transit permit. Claudine was very hesitant about me taking her alone so we prepared ahead of time by coaching Audrey to make sure they knew about her difficulties getting around. She was physically disabled and in her 80’s after all so figured it would be pretty straightforward. At the appointment, during the walk around the building with the therapist, she pointed to my truck and said "see that truck? I can hop up into that no problem". The next conversation was about navigating icy sidewalks. To which she replied "I have no problem, I'm like a Mountain Goat". She ended up only qualifying for a partial pass and after all that she never did end up using that service. 

​

Audrey was the best Mother-in-Law a man could hope for. She never judged and was always supportive and forgiving. I will miss her honesty and the chats we had on the porch in the country dearly.

​

Love Jeff

 

Justin

My Granny was a caring, funny and genuine person. She has been an important part of my life and will be dearly missed. I will never forget the great times we've shared and how excited I would always be when I got to spend time with her and my Grandpa in Gimli. It was always so fun being with her, spending time at the beach together and going into town to shop and rent movies. Also going to the Icelandic Festival and to New Horizons to play Bingo were some of my favourite things we did that I remember fondly. These memories will last a lifetime and I'm so thankful to have shared them with her. Granny was a blessing to everyone that has been lucky enough to have her in their lives. Me, my wife Michelle and our daughters Maya and Emma hold every memory we've made with her close to our hearts.

 

You were the best Granny and Great Granny anyone could ever have. We love you. Rest in peace.

Love - Justin, Michelle, Maya, Emma and Lola.

 

Troy

It is with a heavy heart that we must accept the passing of the strongest woman that I have ever known. My grandma was a very strong-willed fighter who defied any odds stacked up against her and so it is very surreal that she is no longer physically here with us. Although it is very upsetting that God has decided it’s her time to go, it is comforting to know that she will be reunited with Grandpa and her late friends. Granny will always be remembered for the way she could light up a room. People were always drawn to her like a movie star despite her very humble nature, no matter where she went it did not take long for everyone in her vicinity to adore her. As a child I would always look forward to visiting my grandma for the weekend (or week if I was lucky) as she was always ready to entertain my siblings and I.

 

Granny loved to take us all to the beach or the pool to watch us swim, but was very adamant about not getting into the water herself as much as I would try to convince her, she stood her ground. Some more of my fondest outings with Granny would include going to play bingo at the legion, playing shuffle board and pool at the rec centre, playing mini golf and frequenting the Icelandic festival every summer although we had just as much fun together staying in watching game shows or getting my butt whooped playing crokinole. As great as she made my child hood, she remained a strong, inspirational figure to me into my adult years and I am much wiser for all of the talks and get-togethers that meant a lot to the both of us. These are all memories that I will cherish forever and I am very glad that my children have been able to share that same special relationship with Granny. Although she will be busy catching up with all of her loved ones in heaven, she will always remain with us in spirit and will continue to be a beacon of light in our lives. We love and miss you very much Granny.

 

Love Troy, Jessica, Lexie, Lauren and Carly

 

Samantha

Granny was the kind of person that would walk into a room and instantly lift everyone’s mood around her. She could always put a smile on your face and never complained, even in her hardest moments. I have so many wonderful memories with my granny, from visiting her in Gimli as a kid, playing bingo, singing karaoke, or even just watching tv, anything was fun as long as she was around. It was hard to not instantly love granny, no matter where we went she would make new friends. Even a simple grocery store run would turn into an all-day outing as she would have to stop and talk to all of the employees that had come to know her over the years. I am so thankful to have had her in my life as a role model and a source of unconditional love. Granny will be dearly missed but the positive impact she had on the lives of those close to her will always be cherished.

 

Love Sam