MARGARET MANCINI

With sad, but grateful hearts for a life well-lived, the Mancini family announces the passing of our beloved Mom, Gramma and Great Gramma Margaret. 

Remembered and loved forever by her children, Rod (Joyce), Mark (Gloria), Cheryl, Carol (Bob); grandchildren, Derek (Krista), Tyler (Laura), Andrea (Ryan), Vanessa (Adam), Shauna, Travis (Sarah), Grant (Sydney), Allison (Kevin); and great grandchildren, Carter, Lincoln, Aiden, Bria, Emilia, Domenico, Hudson and Josh.

Margaret was predeceased by her infant son, Randy; son-in-law, Brian; and husband, Don.

Margaret also leaves many relatives and friends whose lives she touched.

Margaret began life on a farm near Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan; the youngest of eight children. Those early years instilled her strong work ethic and dedication to her family and taught her all her outstanding cooking and sewing skills. 

At 15, she made her way to Winnipeg to live with her Aunt Liz, in search of a life beyond the farm and working at various jobs eventually working as a seamstress in Winnipeg’s garment district. Soon she met the love of her life, Don, and they were married in 1952. A busy life followed raising their four children in the home that Don built on Harbison Avenue. 

Margaret and Don worked tirelessly to give their children a solid foundation, always making sure that the family table was a focus - the centre of their family life. No one ever went hungry in the Mancini home; while Don stockpiled and shopped the sales, Margaret was always in the kitchen serving up delicious family recipes that we will treasure and share forever. The running joke was always that mom could take an egg, a lemon, a bit of pasta and a chicken and make it into family dinner (and always have enough for any guests that may show up)... it was always a miracle! Mom held down the fort with her busy household while dad worked his day job at the City of Winnipeg and then at night at the Elmwood Curling Club serving up drinks and stories they were a great team - always putting family first. 

Mom was one of the only Moms to drive a car in those days and was very independent in the running of her home and eventually went back to work once everyone was in their teens. Her meticulous sewing skills led her to a job fitting and amending medical garments. She excelled at this and always made sure people felt safe and comfortable in her hands. Through every wedding and the birth of her grandchildren - Mom took on the task of sewing many wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, baby clothes and blankets - so much care poured into these labours of love. She was always quick to share tips on cooking, sewing, cleaning and raising our children - some tips more welcome than others not surprisingly. 

Mom and Dad enjoyed an early retirement spending many years at their winter home in Arizona with new friends and old; enjoying an active social life. Many a golf game, cocktail party, and game night were spent with friends; with visits from kids and grandkids sprinkled throughout the winter months. We all share fabulous memories of these times when Mom and Dad were able to enjoy the fruits of their hard work and relax among friends. 

When they left Harbison Avenue and moved to Paradise Village they added a new chapter to their retirement years. One more move back to Winnipeg until dad’s passing in 2014, and Mom made the decision to move to River Ridge Retirement Community where she made new connections, especially her “sister friend” Mabel whom she shared many special times with. Thank you, Mabel, for being her close friend and confidante in her final years. You meant the world to her and she shared that she told you things she couldn’t tell anyone else... what a special friendship!

We will remember Mom always as forthright and authentic, with a strong and practical nature.

She was a very proud person and always put her best foot forward - dressed beautifully and always fully accessorized. She kept a meticulous and tidy home - organization and cleanliness were very important to her and she maintained that all her life. Everyone who entered the Mancini home, felt welcome and included and never left hungry. She taught us so much in her 97 amazing years - most importantly her devotion to and love of family. She and Dad always prioritized their children and made a happy and abundant home sometimes on a shoestring budget. We are filled with so many special memories - family dinners and celebrations overseen by mom, family card games, the gazebo and playtime on Harbison, happy days in Arizona, and cooking and baking with Gramma. Her love and connection to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren (she was affectionately known as the OG - original Gramma) was limitless.

She and Dad left a legacy of strength, love and a strong work ethic that we will keep within us forever and work to pass to other generations. Mom was completely in charge until her final days; and we are infinitely grateful for her sharp insightful mind. Not much escaped her and she knew exactly what was going on in her family; sometimes without us telling her. She was an incredible judge of character and didn’t suffer fools gladly. Mom, your quiet wisdom and humour will be our armour moving forward and we will hold you close forever. We will share stories of you and Dad forever with all our little ones so that you will always be a part of their lives. We know in our hearts that you are reunited with Dad and you will be forever “safer than in God’s pocket”.

The family wishes to thank the staff at River Ridge for enriching Margaret’s time spent living there and helping to maintain her independence with such kind attention.

As was her wish, the family will honour Margaret’s memory privately.

Donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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