MARLENE FEENSTRA

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MARLENE FEENSTRA It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Marlene Feenstra (nee McCorrister), on December 21, 2015, just two days shy of her 79th birthday, at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mom leaves to mourn her two children, daughter Sylvia (Philip) Munro-Smith, and son Donald Feenstra; son-in-law Bruce (Sandy) Kolopenuk; grandchildren Peter (Hilary) Kolopenuk and Jessica Kolopenuk; great-grandchild Maddax Kolopenuk; sisters Sheila (Jan) Wolynski, Bernice (Arthur) Macholz; brothers Walter McCorrister and Robert McCorrister; sister-in-law Annette McCorrister; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mom was predeceased by her husband Peter Feenstra; parents George and Mary McCorrister; sister Doris Sinclair; brothers Jason, Morris, Harvey and Wilfred McCorrister; sisters-in-law Audrey McCorrister and Olive McCorrister; brother-in-law Ken Sinclair; and foster sister Harriet Thompson. Mom was born on the Peguis Indian Reserve in 1936, where she resided with her family until entering the Birtle Residential School at the age of 14 years. Mom spent three years in Birtle before moving to Winnipeg and gaining employment as a live-in nanny. Upon reaching the age of majority, Mom underwent training at the Municipal Hospitals and started a brief but rewarding career as a nurse's aide. It was an achievement of which she was very proud, and spoke fondly of throughout her life. It was during that time she met the love of her life, Peter, at the Rainbow Dance Gardens in downtown Winnipeg. They eventually married in 1959 and, in 1963, Mom gave birth to daughter Sylvia. Son Donald arrived just 10 months later. Mom embraced motherhood, providing a cozy home for her family, cooking, baking and even sewing clothes for her children. Mom had a knack for homemaking and took great pride in caring for her family. In 1969, Peter was tragically killed in a hunting accident, leaving Mom with two young children and very limited resources. His death would be a turning point in her life. While she later lived in a common-law relationship, she never fully recovered from the loss. Those of us who knew and loved Mom will always remember her as a beautiful soul who, despite her own struggles, would give selflessly to those she loved. Her grandchildren have wonderful memories of their "Cookie Grandma," who would often travel to stay with us in Saskatchewan and then St. Andrews, MB, sometimes for months at a time. During these visits, Mom spoiled us all rotten: cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and caring for us the best way she knew how. As always with Mar', whose sense of humour was unsurpassed, there were a lot of laughs. Mom had a lifelong love of animals, especially the pets she raised, and those of the family's that she often babysat, including Kitty', Boomer', Coco', Piggly Wiggly', Roxy', Buffy', Minos', Lily', and most recently, Islay' and Shakira'. Mom also loved the outdoors and was often found in the garden or making bonfires. For many years Mom cultivated large vegetable gardens and took great pleasure in canning her harvest. Mom's famous carrot cake and her cabbage rolls were always family favourites. We would like to thank Dr. V. Teraska and all the doctors and nurses at the Grace Hospital and the Deer Lodge Centre who cared for Mom during her illness. Special thanks to sister Sheila Wolynski for providing care to Mom over the past year, and to all the family and friends who looked in on her, especially special niece Cheryl McKenzie. As per Mom's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be interred at her husband's gravesite at Elmwood Cemetery in the spring (TBA). A graveside celebration of Mom's life for family and friends will be held at that time. God saw as you were getting tired, a cure was not to be, So He wrapped His arms around you and whispered, Come with Me.' With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer and saw you fade away, Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands laid to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Rest in Peace Mom. We Love you. Funeral Arrangements in Care of: Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street - 204-224-1525 Please sign the book of memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2015