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MARY ELLEN WILKS (MURRAY)
Born: Aug 14, 1934
Date of Passing: Aug 16, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARY ELLEN WILKS (nee MURRAY) August 14, 1934 - August 16, 2014 Peacefully, with family at her side, Mary Ellen passed into the hands of the Lord on Saturday, August 16, 2014. Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents William and Olympia Murray. She is survived by Ken, her husband of 59 years; children Doug (Lorraine), Murray (Cathy) Blair (Suzanne), Teresa (Kirby) and Kendra; grandchildren Beau, Braden, Cameron, Amanda and Rebecca. She is also survived by brothers John and Bill and their families. Mary Ellen was born, raised and educated in Winnipeg. She was very active at Orioles Community Club where she won a provincial basketball championship. Also known as "Miss Mary" in the Tiny Tots program, she is fondly remembered for solving all problems with chocolate milk and cookies. Mary's love for children later led her to work at Sargent Park Pool Nursery, where she spent many enjoyable years. Mary was instrumental in developing the sport of ringette in the West End, coaching and mentoring young athletes for many years. She was also involved with the Baton and Band programs and held many positions at Orioles. Through her years of volunteering she made lasting friendships which she cherished throughout her life. At the early age of fourteen Mary was introduced to Ken through her cousin Greg. Ken became the love of her life. They were married in 1955 and together raised their five children. They thoroughly enjoyed and participated in all the activities of family life including sports, camping and cottage life on Lake Winnipeg. Retirement took them to Ponemah where they lived the beach life and immersed themselves in the Lake Winnipeg community. Mary Ellen was a warm, loving, generous person who valued her family and friends. She was the first person to lend a hand or an ear when needed, and always saw and believed in the best of people. Her strong and constant faith guided her throughout her life and made her the compassionate person she was. She took great joy in the lives of her children and grandchildren, closely following and supporting them in their many activities and interests. A celebration of Mary Ellen's life will be held Thursday, August 21 at Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Ave. Eulogy at 10:30 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6 or the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 9Z9. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2014
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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I am sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I had known Mary for many years before and after marriage. I have many memories of the years when our children were growing up through the school and community club. Orioles was the center of our lives when our children were young, and we spent many hours at meetings and planning sports through the c.c. Although I haven't seen her much since she moved from the West End, I know that she was such a warm, giving person and will be missed by many. My sympathy to the entire Wilks family from the Tonnellier family. - Posted by: Yvonne Tonnellier (friend) on: Aug 22, 2014
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I am so sad to hear of Mary's passing after the service has past, and can't off my condolences in person. Mary was a big part of my childhood and my heart goes out to Kendra and the whole family at this difficult time. I spent many days in the Wilks house, and have many fond memories of Mary, coaching us in sports and life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. - Posted by: Lilja Tonnellier and family (family friend) on: Aug 22, 2014
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I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Mom and dad were very fond of Ken and Mary and really enjoyed their company when they were to visit the Whiteshell. Our thoughts are with you today. - Posted by: Cheryl & Blair DuGray ((friend and cousin)) on: Aug 21, 2014
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It is with deepest sympathy that we offer our prayers and heartfelt thoughts to Papa Ken and the family at the passing of Nana Mary. We first met Nana Mary and Papa Ken when they came to England to see Doug and Murray who were coaching ice hockey in Sunderland, there was an instant friendship as Nana Mary and Papa Ken visited our house to meet our children Joanne, Jonathan, Emma and Karen. We kept in touch via letters and Christmas cards, until 2001 when we all made a journey to Winnipeg and were made so welcome, which is unsurpassed and made the bond more special. On return to the UK I was informed that my mother had suddenly passed away while we were flying home. A few days later we received a note from Nana Mary together with a prayer card enclosed with a poem from her which is from Nana Mary's mother Olympia Lorenza Murray. This short poem is in my prayer book and I say this every Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers will be always with you and the family. May she rest in peace and the love of God be with you all. Nick, Eileen, Joanne & Richie, Jonathan & Lindsay, Emma & Rob, and Karen & Mark - Posted by: Nick & Eileen Weaver (Friends in England) on: Aug 21, 2014
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WHEN WE THINK OF MARY, ONE WORD DOMINATES ALL OTHERS.; “PRECIOUS”! SHE WAS SO VERY PRECIOUS IN EVERY WAY. SHE OPENED HER HEART AND WELCOMED YOU IN WITH OPEN WARM, CARING ARMS. WE WERE PRIVILEGED TO KNOW HER & BE A PART OF HER LIFE, FOR THAT WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL. THANK YOU, MARY FOR BEING YOU AND CARING ABOUT US! - Posted by: JACQUIE & GAFY HADLAND, BRANDON MB (FRIENDS) on: Aug 20, 2014
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Joanne and I are sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Seems like she impacted many lives, and a lot of people will miss her. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Cliff and Joanne Kosowan - Posted by: Cliff and Joanne Kosowan (Friends) on: Aug 20, 2014
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I am so sorry to hear of Mary passing. I did not know her long. I met her last year when we were both in Heart Class at the Wellness Centre, what a wonderful lady. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family and friends.....Fran - Posted by: Fran Besko (Heart class friend) on: Aug 20, 2014
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To hear of her passing was a shock that we are not sure we can comprehend. We had just heard that Mary Ellen was in the hospital, and now she is gone. Ken, our prayers are with you and the family. This magnificent woman now is the hands of Jesus. - Posted by: Philip and Nancy Laing (Friends) on: Aug 20, 2014
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My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Gloria Wiedermann (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2014
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Probably one of the kindest, generous and loving people to walk on this earth. We will miss you Aunt Mary. - Posted by: Nancy Teel (Niece) on: Aug 20, 2014
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Nana Mary. You are one of the most admired matriarchs of a family that I have ever met. Your kind and caring soul of anyone you met has left such a lasting and loving effect. No one will ever forget you. I know your soul will rest in peace. Love from the Camara family. - Posted by: Char Camara (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2014
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Mary was a lifelong loving friend to the Johnstone Family of Simcoe Street. Although we haven't lived in Manitoba for many years, we have stayed in close touch. We were really pleased that we had a wonderful day at Gimli and the lake on Aug. 12th. We will always remember the fun we had that day. We will miss her deeply. - Posted by: Ken and Doreen Johnstone (Family Friends) on: Aug 20, 2014
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Mary was a very special person. I met Mary when she was the Ringette Convenor at Orioles. She coached and organized the various teams at Orioles. She travelled with Kendra when we went to a Tournament in Pierrre Fonds, Quebec. Will never forget the fun we had and the times we meet & talked in the Matlock Area. Rest In Peace Mary. - Posted by: Darlene Muron (Long Time Friend) on: Aug 20, 2014
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Aunt Mary was one of the most compassionate, generous people I know. She provided support and encouragement to those who needed it and always welcomed visitors with open arms. Those lucky enough were always sent away with a jar of home made preserves. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Donald Teel (Relative) on: Aug 20, 2014
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I will miss Mary for her generosity and her kindness.. her willingness to listen. She always made sure you were well fed and no one would leave her place hungry. Mary you will be missed and I know you are in a better place with all the family that has gone before you. God Loves You and So do we. God only takes the best and he took you. Miss You and Love You. Renate & Family - Posted by: Renate ( Schjerning ) Gardy (Cousin / friend) on: Aug 20, 2014
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Dear Mr Wilks, Doug, Lorraine, Murray, Cathy & family. I was so saddened to hear of Mary's passing. I have run into her many times over the years, be it Grand Forks, Superstore or even Clandeboye & she was so sweet, kind, taking great interest in my mom & boys. When I think of her I will smile, she just made you feel good. Thinking of you all in your sorrow. I know you must have some amazing memories. xxg - Posted by: Gayle Hassett (West Ender) on: Aug 20, 2014
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We will all miss Auntie Mary Ellen. Thoughts and prayers for your family. - Posted by: Lorraine Teel (Joan Teel's daughter) on: Aug 20, 2014
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The words that come to mind when I think of Mrs. Wilks are soft spoken, encouraging, smile, positive, nurturing, good, family, friends, dependable, caring, volunteer, strong. These are just a few that come to mind when I reflect on how I knew Mrs. Wilks. I know that she has passed on a lot of her values and characteristics to her own children and grandchildren as well as some of the children she mentored through the years in the community. I am a lucky person to have known her as a friend. I saw her last in May of 2014 when her and Mr. Wilks came out to community event at Tec Voc high school in support of the students. Always a great supporter of our youth. We had a wonderful chat, which I am glad took place. Mrs. Wilks thank you for all you have done for so many and rest in peace. Carole Bouchard-Langlois - Posted by: Carole Bouchard-Langlois (Family friend) on: Aug 20, 2014
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I was always amazed at how Mary remembered everyone's name and details about their lives. When our daughter got sick, she was so thoughtful and I will never forgot her words of encouragement. She had a heart of gold and her family meant everything to her. She was so proud of all of you and she will be missed. - Posted by: Rick, Sue and Jenn Kizuk (Family friends) on: Aug 20, 2014
