LUCY VERNA MANARY

Today, we gather with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude, to remember and celebrate the life of Lucy — a woman whose love shaped our family and whose kindness and selflessness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Lucy Verna Manary (née Hawrysh), age 76, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.

Lucy is survived by her daughter Vanessa; son Brett (Christy); grandchildren, Payton (Jesse) and Nicholas (Julia); and great grandchild “Little” Lucy. Lucy is also survived by her sister Betty Ann Boitson. She was predeceased by her mother Julia (1957); father John (1993); and her brother Alex (2024). Lucy is also survived by her “sisters from another mister”: Ann, Bridie, Miki and Linda.

Lucy was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, on October 16, 1949. She later made her home in Thompson, Manitoba, where she built a life filled with family, friendship, and quiet strength. Thompson became more than just a place to live — it was where she raised her children, formed lifelong bonds, and created a lifetime of memories. It was where she found her rhythm, her people, and her sense of belonging.

In 1972, Lucy welcomed her daughter Vanessa, followed by her son Brett in 1974. Being a mother was one of Lucy’s greatest joys, and she poured her whole heart into raising her children. She was the kind of mom who made sure her kids never felt left behind. She showed up — always. Whether it was Christmas concerts, band performances, bowling, judo, hockey, ringette, or simply being there when they needed comfort or encouragement, Lucy was their steady presence, their biggest cheerleader, and their safe place.

Her love was constant, patient, and unconditional. She didn’t need recognition or praise — she simply gave, endlessly and quietly, because that was who she was.

Lucy was also a dedicated and hardworking woman. During her years in Thompson, she worked in several roles, including at the Thompson General Hospital, the Co-Op, and Canada Safeway. No matter where she worked, Lucy was known for her reliability, kindness, and strong work ethic. She formed close friendships with coworkers and took great pride in doing her job well — never seeking attention, never complaining — just doing what needed to be done, with grace and humility.

Family meant everything to Lucy, including the deep bond she shared with her siblings. She held a special place in her heart for her brother Alex, and before his passing, she treasured her visits to see him in Vernon, British Columbia. Those trips were filled with laughter, love, and meaningful time together — moments she cherished and carried with her always.

In the early 2000s, Lucy and Alex became partners in a beach house concession stand at Kalamalka Lake, south of Vernon, in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Lucy loved spending summers there, working alongside her brother, meeting people, and enjoying the warmth, the sunshine, and the simple joy of those days.

Lucy also deeply cherished her relationship with her sister Betty Ann. Their bond was constant, steady, and full of love. From their almost daily coffee dates and errand runs, to attending their grandchildren’s activities together, to spending time at Betty Ann’s cottage at Winnipeg Beach — they were inseparable. And for most of us, if we couldn’t find Lucy, we knew that a call to her sister would always solve the mystery.

In 1997, Lucy became a grandmother for the first time when Payton was born, and her heart grew even bigger. In 2002, Nicholas arrived, bringing even more joy into her life. Becoming “Grandma Lucy” was one of her proudest roles, and she embraced it with her whole heart.

As a grandmother, Lucy was always present — sewing costumes for Payton’s dance classes, picking Nicholas up for hockey practice, attending events, celebrating milestones, and always making time. Payton and Nicholas knew they could count on Grandma Lucy for love, support, comfort, and encouragement.

She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments: Payton’s high school and college graduation, her career as a flight attendant with Air Canada, and becoming a first-time mom to little Lucy. She was just as proud of Nicholas — of his high school and university graduation, his first career job, and his passion and drive in his work as a pool installer. Lucy celebrated every success, big or small, as if it were her own.

In November 2024, Lucy became a great-grandmother to “Little Lucy.” Sharing her name and her love with a new generation filled her heart completely. Little Lucy became a beautiful gift during a time of unimaginable hardship. In the midst of her courageous battle with cancer, that tiny new life brought light, hope, and pure joy. Watching Lucy hold her great-granddaughter reminded us all of the powerful circle of love she created — one that will continue for generations.

Lucy found happiness in simple, meaningful moments — sewing her famous Christmas stockings, Barbie tents, clothes, and costumes; knitting and crocheting slippers, mitts, hats, and gifts; sipping coffee with her sister; and treasure-hunting at thrift stores with Payton. Everything she made carried her love. Everything she did was for others. Almost everyone in Lucy’s inner circle — and even her outer circle — likely owns a pair of her famous slippers, each one a small but powerful reminder of her care and generosity.

In recent years, Lucy spent part of her Winnipeg winters with her close friends Ann and Len in Nevada. She absolutely loved her time there — soaking up the warmth, saying yes to new adventures, and forming many wonderful new friendships.

Even Lucy’s dreams for the future reflected her gentle hope and optimism: summers in Winnipeg, road trips with Vanessa, and winters in Pahrump, Nevada. Thanks to her dear friends Ann and Len, Lucy fulfilled a longtime dream by purchasing her own trailer there. Although she never had the opportunity to live out that dream, it brought her joy, comfort, and something beautiful to look forward to.

Lucy had a gentle spirit and a giving heart. She never asked for much, but she gave everything. Her kindness was steady and sincere. Her love made people feel safe, valued, and deeply cared for.

Her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. But we are forever grateful for the love she gave us, the lessons she taught us, and the memories we will carry forward.

Lucy leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unconditional love. That legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and all who were blessed to know her.

Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Lucy — for loving us so completely. Thank you for your sacrifices, your patience, your kindness, and your unwavering care. You will always be our mom, our grandma, our great-grandma, our sister, our auntie, our friend — and forever, our guiding light.

Those we love

don’t go away,

they walk beside

us every day.

Unseen, unheard,

But always near,

So loved, so missed,

So very dear.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 603 Wellington Crescent (Unitarian Church).

Upon entering, you may have noticed “Lucy’s Handmade Treasures.” Each piece here was lovingly made by Lucy. Please feel free to select one or more. These are now limited edition and meant to be cherished — just like she was.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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