MARJORIE KATHERINE LYONS (FELDE)

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MARJORIE KATHERINE LYONS (nee FELDE) It is with great sadness and sorrow, we mourn the loss of our darling mother and grandmother. Our Mom's spirit peacefully and gracefully passed into heaven, at home, in the early hours of the morning, on October 3, 2006, just as she had wished. As the inspiration and strength of our family, Mom will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Donna (Doug) and Diane; son David (Marcie); grandchildren, Roxzanne, Jessica and Jonathan; sister Ella and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by our Dad, Arthur (1993); daughter-in-law Frances (1989); brother Ted; sister Norma; parents, Jack and Anne Felde and most recently, niece Judy. Mom was born in 1926 in Winkler, the youngest of four children. Shortly after Mom and Dad were married in 1946, they moved to Emerson, where Dad became an officer with the Canada Customs. Both were actively involved in community life and Mom often spoke fondly of their years in Emerson, their many friends, community dinners, dancing at socials, ice-skating, summers spent at Falcon Lake, trips to Florida, Texas and Hawaii, and most importantly living and raising a family in a small town. She could skate and dance circles around all of us, as well as pitch a softball so fast your glove would need re-lacing! After Dad retired, they moved to Winnipeg to reside closer to their children and grandchildren. Roxzanne, Jessica and Jonathan were so fortunate to have Mom, their Googie , who lovingly became their caregiver during their early years. All three grew up with a very close, caring and unique relationship with their other mother , who loved them dearly. Always a happy, forthright, generous and spirited individual, Mom loved challenges and took great pride in meeting them head on, surviving a bus accident at age 25, cancer at age 41 and a major brain aneurysm at age 51. Through the years, she loved interior decorating, enjoying her trailer at Lilac Resort, trips out to Winkler to visit her sister Ella, reading biographies, American politics and old movies. Until recent months, she was a bundle of energy, wit and enthusiasm. At age 79, she was still donning a snowsuit to go out in -20 degree weather to put up her Christmas lights and still danced in her kitchen whenever the spirit moved her. Mom's stories about her creative and resourceful approaches to meeting any challenges she encountered were often humorous, became legendary and were the center of family get-togethers. Mom was always there for her family with her unending love and support. We were truly blessed to have had so many years with our wonderful mother, grandmother, confidant and best friend. We will always remember her warm and welcoming home where she shared her delicious dinners to celebrate holidays and birthdays or to just drop by for coffee. A day seldom went by without visits from her children and grandchildren who were always greeted with hugs and kisses. Living each day to the fullest, Mom was our pillar of strength with an infectious zest for life and possessed never-ending optimism. At Mom's request, cremation has taken place with a private family gathering to honour her life, her love and her spirit . In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be given to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. The family can be reached at thelyonsfamily@shaw.ca In keeping with Mom's wishes: TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVED ME When I am gone, release me, let me go... I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy that we had so many years. I gave to you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it's time I travelled on alone. So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must; Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for awhile that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on; So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near, And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way, alone I'll greet you with a smile and say, Welcome home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2006