MARIANNE BOSSEN

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MARIANNE BOSSEN On Saturday, March 1, 2008, Marianne (Marianna) Bossen of Winnipeg passed away at Riverview Health Centre. Born in Willemstad, Curacao, Dutch Antilles to Catarina and Dirk, she was raised in the Netherlands with her sister Jet and brother Peter. She is survived by two nephews in Australia. Marianne lived a long and courageous life. She was both a pioneer and an advocate. She graduated from high school in the Netherlands in 1937, and obtained a diploma in nursing during the Second World War. In the 1940s Marianne was employed at Unilever as a social worker in an industrial setting. She recognized the needs of the employees and their families, and developed and administered the personnel department for 1,000 employees. Seeking greater career opportunities, Marianne immigrated to Canada in 1951. She worked in Toronto and northern Ontario as a nurse with the Canadian Red Cross. She obtained a B.A. degree from the University of Montreal in 1957, and a M.A. degree in Economics from the University of Toronto in 1964. Marianne was an assistant professor of economics at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and at the University of Winnipeg (1966-68). In 1962, Marianne began working for the Government of Canada in various capacities over the years with the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Industry, and with the Department of Manpower and Immigration as an economist doing research and program development. She was especially proud of the research she did as a consultant for the Royal Commission on the Status of Women from 1967 - 69. Her extensive research also included work with the Ontario and Manitoba governments. During her life in Winnipeg, Marianne established her private practice in 1972 as a consulting economist on manpower and social policy. Her clients included federal and provincial governments, industry, research councils, boards, and community organizations. Marianne was a recipient in the first year of the YWCA Woman of the Year Awards (Business Category) in 1977. Illness and physical rehabilitation interrupted Marianne's career from 1979 - 82. The considerable challenges she faced to maintain an independent life strengthened her resolve to continue as an advocate to improve the lives of others locally, nationally, and internationally. She was a member of the Advisory Committee to the Manitoba Minister of Health that recommended the establishment of self-managed home care. In 1982 Marianne began years of advisory service with the city and the province to develop transportation services for those with physical disabilities. In 1994 she was recognized by the City of Winnipeg Transit for her contribution to the Task Force to Review Handi-Transit Issues. Some of Marianne's other accomplishments included serving on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, the YWCA and YM-YWCA Boards, the Board (Manitoba) of the Canadian Paraplegic Association, and the Provincial Council of the Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped. She served the province in the areas of rent appeals, and landlord and tenant legislation review. Marianne was a keen observer of current affairs, economics, public policy, and political process. She was active in the New Democratic Party and the First Church of Christ, Scientist. She was an avid reader, and loved the beauty of flowers, the prairies, and nature. Coming from a seafaring family, Marianne found real joy in her travels in Canada and around the world. During her retirement, she lived in White Rock, BC, for three years before returning to Winnipeg, where she resided until her death. Marianne expressed deep gratitude for her friendships, and for those who provided her with home care, support services, and other personal assistance over the years. Special friends Gerry Loewen, Brenda Taylor, and Georgia Cordes sincerely thank the dedicated home care workers whose excellent care enabled Marianne's greatest wish to remain in her home. Our appreciation is also extended to all of the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care staff, and hospital visitors for their loving care. Marianne is fondly remembered for her strength, faith and wisdom as she faced opportunities, challenges, and adversity. In compliance with Marianne's wishes, no service will be held. Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to honour the spirit, contribution, and memory of Marianne Bossen are invited to donate to FortWhyte Alive, Friends of Assiniboine Park Conservatory, or a charity of their choice. May God surround you with love, comfort and peace, dear friend.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2008