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MARJORIE TOEWS
Born: Jun 06, 1958
Date of Passing: Jun 05, 2010
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARJORIE TOEWS After a hard struggle with mental illness, Marj ended her life Saturday, June 5, 2010, a day before her 52nd birthday. Beloved partner of Sean Richens, she is survived by her mother, Elvira Toews, her sister Miriam (and Richard), nieces Ana Kaya Chipelski (and Stevan), Georgia Toews (and Eric), and nephew Owen Toews (and Bronwyn), and their father Neal Rempel. She was predeceased by her father, Melvin Toews. She will be greatly missed by all her extended family and the friends whose loyalty and love she so easily inspired. Marj was born June 6, 1958 in Steinbach where she attended Elmdale School and Steinbach Regional Secondary School. She moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba where she earned an M.A. in History. Marj was an accomplished pianist, made her youthful tour of Europe, and devoted much time to her nieces and nephew. Her desire to be involved in the community and politics led her to a long association with Friends of Sherbrook Pool, saving this historical building from demolition and preserving one of the few recreational facilities for inner-city youth. After her father's passing she was appointed to the Provincial Mental Health Advisory Committee to speak for greater family involvement in mental health care. Sean came into her life in 1994 and they settled down to complete each other in their shared love of music, literature and private wit. She took this opportunity to write seriously and had her first success with a children's picture book, Black-and-White Blanche. Friends and family are invited to remember Marj on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Crossways in Common, 222 Furby St. The family thanks all the health care workers, who did their best for Marj.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 09, 2010
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Thank you Miriam for sharing your family’s loss. After reading I can’t stop thinking about your family pain but also about your family love. Thank you for your commitment in writing. You wrote a book of a desperate beautifulness and I think about it Every day. A big hug to you and to your family - Posted by: Ilaria (Reader) on: Aug 22, 2025
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Just finished reading AMPS and was blown away by the tragic and beautiful story of sisters and family which felt very personal. So much reminding me of the bond, love and joy of sisterhood despite all that may pass......thank you. - Posted by: Jean (Inspired and grateful) on: Mar 30, 2022
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Just finished AMPS and while reading it felt that it must be somewhat autobiographical. It felt so personal and intimate. Like love from a sister. After reading Miriam's acknowledgements I googled Marjorie and here I am. What a beautiful book. I will never forget it. Thank you for sharing a beautiful life and people. Hope you all are well. - Posted by: Jen () on: Jan 04, 2016
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I also just finished "All My Puny Sorrows", many tears and identification with the "Consequences of a Mennonite Upbringing". Not complaining, just saying: Where does all this hollow sadness come from? From Russia, with Love? Wild love and wild blessings to Marjorie, and to Miriam and all the family. - Posted by: Joe Bergmann (We're probably 16th cousins or something, either through the Bergmann side or the Regier side.) on: Jul 03, 2015
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I just finished All my Puny Sorrows and am just shattered by her loss and the love that family has. She was my favorite cousin and as a kid I just loved her. - Posted by: Don Warkentin (Cousin) on: Mar 11, 2015
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Beneath the grass and vaulted sky - Posted by: Bert Prendergast (Friend) on: Dec 26, 2014
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To Miriam and family I am thinking of you at this time of loss and grief and wish the best for you and all of your family. We met, Miriam, on a writing project with Keith Fulton, Women's Changing Landscapes. - Posted by: irene diane heaman -belcher (Acquaintance) on: Jun 20, 2010
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Elvira, Miriam and family: After learning about the death of Marj this morning, my first thoughts and feelings were about you, and I also wondered how much Marj must have suffered. The obituary is very beautifully written; it seems so descriptive and full of love and respect. She and I played piano duets for a year or two, and I enjoyed coming to your old house on First to practice. I always thought of her as a very serious, thoughtful, musical and smart person. My sincerest sympathies to you all. Gerald Loewen, Minneapolis - Posted by: Gerald Loewen (Acquaintance) on: Jun 10, 2010
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I was so sad to hear of Marjorie's passing. What a fantastic loss to the world of children's books. I only knew Marj briefly during our work on Black and White Blanche but thoroughly enjoyed working with her. In the publishing world, authors and illustrators rarely have the chance to meet but I am so glad Marj broke protocol and took the chance to call me. We became immediate friends. Her passion for writing was genuine. I loved her sincerity. I am so very sad...Marj will be truly missed in the absense of the great books she would have written. - Posted by: Dianna Bonder (Friend) on: Jun 09, 2010