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Marion Robinson

Image by Nick Andréka

MARION ROBINSON

(née MacFarlane)

August 19, 1938 - January 12, 2025

The pizzazz in all of our lives is gone. This woman, full of vitality and glamour, laid her head to rest for a final time. She was first and foremost a devoted, loving wife to her life's partner, her husband Garry. She was also a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many. Known for her classy, always beautifully put together style, Famous for her gourmet meals, baking and especially her killer home-made bread. And she was a seamstress who could craft an extraordinarily beautiful wedding gown without a pattern, make Halloween costumes, or simply hem your new jeans.


She was a giving woman that would always provide her time and love to her family and friends. She also had a strong faith, and she volunteered her time to many church events,


She had mountains of charm and charisma, energy and dramatic flair. She was. in one word, a presence.


Marion is survived by her beloved husband Garry. Her oldest daughter Barbara (David), granddaughter Michelle (Ceder), great grandchildren Charlie and Emjay. Granddaughter Nicole (Mike), great grandchildren Blain, Lacy and Mya. And, granddaughter Crystal (Adam). Daughter Sheila, granddaughter Robyn, and great grandchildren Ava and Greyson. And her son Keith (Rose), granddaughter Tanya (Miles), great granddaughter Gabriella, great-great grandson Reemington. Great grandson Niall (Jaidyn). Grandson Tony (Kristy), great grandchildren Elexis and Noah. Granddaughter Tristin (Ryan), great granddaughters Prestley and Paisley. Mom always made it very clear that when the time came, she wanted all of the kids listed with their names. Her family meant the world to her.


Pre-deceased by her parents: Lucy and John Russell. Her brothers: Jerry, Ken, Jim, Vernon, David and Don. Sister-in-laws: Dessie, Shirley and Dolf. Nieces: Linda, Debbie and Bonnie. Nephews: Rod and Trevor. Great nephew: Andrew. Parent-in-laws: Ellen and Tom. Brother-in-laws: Whimp, Ron and Glen. Sister-in-laws: Norma and Bonnie. And her son-in-law: Rick.


Born in Birtle, MB, Mom grew up on the farm with her large family. They last settled in Harroby, MB. She met Garry while at school in Millwood, MB. They moved to Winnipeg after marrying, and she worked at Eaton's, and they soon started their family. After all 3 kids were settled in school, and Dad had started working for Imperial Oil running a service station, Mom began doing the bookkeeping for the business. During these years they enjoyed traveling and visited California, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Niagara Falls, But their favourite place to go was Maui.


As we all grew into teenagers our home was open to all of our friends. It became a "thing" for them to check in regularly with us to see if it was bread day. On bread day, multiple kids followed us home to enjoy the fresh out of the oven bread that Mom was baking.


Mom taught us how to take care of ourselves and the house. We learned how to clean, cook set a proper table and make the bed correctly. Well....that is Barb and I did. Keith, on the other hand took out the garbage, and he got sent to Rose with an instruction booklet!


Mom was a key factor in our adult lives through all of our joys and trials. She was made a grandma to our many four legged "kids". It was a role she took on - but she set her own clear rules with each of them all.


She became involved with all parts of our daily lives - even to the point of going late at night to a bar, to watch David's rock band play. Barb says Mom embraced and loved all the people who joined our family. And man could she shop! We went on many Black Friday adventures. Some by plane and some driving. We got very creative in packing all of our purchases in our suitcases, or the car. On 1 trip to Minneapolis, we convinced the front desk staff to open the breakfast room early enough so that we all could eat and get to the stores for the 3am opening. That day we shopped from 3am-11pm...and then we went for dinner! And Mom was a saving grace in helping me try to adapt to daily life after Rick died. She called to check up on me every day, from he went into the hospital, until the day before her stroke. Keith remembers how easily Mom loved the people in her life. She accepted spouses and their children like they were hers. He says Mom displayed love in all of our lives. Rose would like to share that Mom became a Mother to her after her Mom died. And Mom always hugged her goodbye, and said that she was a bright spot in her life.


Once Mom and Dad moved to the Kiwanis building, they met so many new people, and eagerly participated in new activities. There was bridge - every week the group from their building met to play, visit and enjoy refreshments. And in the main building they had weekly bridge and crib held in the rec room. Then Mom was asked to teach bridge to some new players, and some that needed a refresher. Once a month they held a birthday party, Everyone took turns bringing a cake, and all who had their birthday in that month were celebrated. Of course everyone was happy when it was Mom's turn to bring the cake because it would be a delicious home-made cake, not a store bought one. Their floor celebrated major holidays by having a pot luck dinner. Mom became the one to organize this and create the menu so that a list could be posted. The residents on their floor all signed up for what they would bring. In fact, Mom was sitting with her good friend Marilyn, working on this menu and list for their Christmas dinner when she had her stroke.


And then there is our Mom that was a sister. A Joan, Mom and A Betty. They were so close... always. There was so much love between them, and so much fun and laughter. If you had the 3 of them, in one kitchen, it was pure chaos and hilarity.


A Celebration of Life/Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 to allow for safe travel for out of town family, located at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Ave, Winnipeg.


The family thanks the Doctors, nurses and aides for their excellent medical management and caring of Mom. Also thanks to Pastor Sean Sagert for his visits to Mom, and his caring and support. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mom's name to Cancer Care.


The grief we are feeling is the price we have to pay for having had your love.


You will always be with us.


May God Bless You.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Barb

February 3, 2025 at 11:58 AM

Mom, I can't keep track of the number of times I have picked up the phone (or hit the phone button in my car) to call you. Many times you "kept me company" for my long drive home. I miss our calls and you a lot. Love you lots XOXO

Aynsley Sosinski (Watters) - Lawrence, Kansas

January 23, 2025 at 2:54 PM

Marion and Garry were bridge partners and wonderful friends with my parents. I recall Marion as always being so friendly and kind and asking with great interest about our activities to we children (way back when) when they would come over. After my father passed away, she and Garry were constantly there for my mother as she navigated single parenthood, until she remarried. Then, they graciously accepted my stepfather into their circle and he was welcomed to their bridge table (now once again a foursome). Everyone always raved about what Marion made for dinners and desserts. I remember the delicious food served was the first thing my mother would recount when she came home after a night of bridge. A lovely, kind lady and I know my parents, thought of she and Garry as the most wonderful friends. Sending caring thoughts to all - Garry, Barbara, Sheila, Keith and families, at this time of great loss to your family.

Mark and Rosen

January 22, 2025 at 8:47 PM

Marion was Marks secretary and friend for many years during their time at Nor Tec. I also worked with Marion and ahe was one of the kindest person I ever knew! Both her and Gary were so very special to us! Blessed to have been at her dinner table many times. And yes the Bread!! So grateful to have had her in our lives and will miss her always!

Condolences to Gary and all the family!

Always in our hearts!

 

Carol Major

January 20, 2025 at 11:08 AM

What a beautiful tribute! Marion was such a lovely caring person who lit up a room with her smile and her kindness.

Her boundless energy always amazed me.

I was lucky enough to have indulged in her delicious cakes and other dishes on several occasions.

My heart goes out to Garry and my good friends Barb and David.

My condolences to all the other family

members as well.

Dee Black

January 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Marion was an amazing, beautiful, caring person who also had a number of "adopted" children, like me and my husband. No matter what, every time you saw her, she had a warm, loving smile and hug for you. We will miss her so much, but know that we will see her again in heaven, where she is with our Lord.

 

Until we meet again.

DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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