MARCIA ANN PUCHNIAK (RUDD)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARCIA ANN PUCHNIAK (RUDD)

Marcia Ann Puchniak was Love – Love incarnate. Love for her parents. Love for her siblings. Love for her husband. Love for her children. Love for her grandchildren. Love for her friends. Love for her community. Love for her Lord, Jesus Christ.

On January 19, 1946, Bill and Eva Rudd welcomed this vessel of Love into the world. Growing up on Churchill Drive, with her sister Judy (Doug MacKay), her brother John (Carol Kelly), and the wisdom of her beloved grandparents, she was steeped in a family faith and devotion that would guide her entire life. The influence of her grandfather, a United Church minister, and the legacy of the Rudd and McCullagh families shaped her deep commitment, faith, and compassion.

Marcia attended Lord Roberts School and Churchill High before earning her Secretarial Sciences diploma from Red River College. In her youth, she graced the stage as a Red River beauty queen – remembered always for her radiant smile and timeless elegance. She began her career as an Air Canada stewardess, soaring with grace in the golden age of air travel, her warmth and charm touching countless lives.

On December 29, 1971, she married the Love of her life, John. From that day forward, he proclaimed throughout his life: “The greatest decision I ever made was marrying your mother.” Their home became a citadel of Love, filled with joy and faith, as together they raised four children – John (Shannon), Joe (Yu), Dan (Norah), and Jane (Jimi). She poured her heart not only into her children, but also into nieces and nephews, caring for nine little ones under nine at once, embodying the boundless devotion of a lifelong caregiver. With her training, Marcia also supported John in building his company, Thadeus Ltd., becoming both his partner in life and in work.

Her faith was reaffirmed in one of her life’s most profound moments. When giving birth to her youngest, Jane, both nearly lost their lives. Marcia often spoke of seeing a white light and feeling the embrace of her Loved ones beyond. She returned from that threshold with unshakable certainty in the afterlife and a renewed devotion to her family and God.

Marcia had a gift for beauty and joy. She Loved music, from choir concerts to Motown, and she carried herself with timeless style, finding delight in the creativity of fashion and the sparkle of celebration. She gave her time to others as well, volunteering at Oak Table in Osborne Village, where she served food and offered her listening heart to those in need.

In 2013, when John passed away, Marcia’s Love endured. At the Canoe Club, through both health and sickness, she shared Love as kisses for her grandchildren – Ashley, Alyssa, Nadia, Malakai, Leo, and Jay – joy in their presence, smiles for her friends, and empathy for anyone who was empty, even when she herself was running on fumes. She also tenderly cared for her parents, Eva and Bill, in their later years, modelling compassion for elders and carrying her family’s tradition of Love across generations.

On September 18, 2025, Marcia’s life of Love on this earth came to its close. The Love she radiated for 79 years, 7 months, and 30 days reflected back as she transitioned from this life to the next – a spiritual mirror of family gathered at her bedside in solace, song, and prayer, paying tribute to a life of Love. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brian Sharkey, Seema, and the compassionate teams at the Canoe Club, Thorvaldson Care Centre, and Pembina Place PCH.

Marcia Ann Puchniak was, and remains, Love incarnate – now shining from above. Always Loving. Forever Loved.

A celebration of Marcia’s life was held on September 25th at St. Ignatius Parish and was followed by a burial and reception at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery. Donations may be made in Marcia's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and The Oak Table – Winnipeg, carrying forward her spirit of giving.

Tributes: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 04, 2025