MARLENE FREDA FARRELL

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MARLENE FREDA FARRELL (JONSSON) August 21, 1936 - August 29, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marlene Farrell (Jonsson) at Selkirk and District General Hospital on Monday, August 29, 2016 at the age of 80 years. Marlene was born in Victoria Beach, Manitoba to Freda (Ateah) and Jon Axel Jonsson. She moved to Winnipeg to attend St. Mary's Academy and then went on to study nursing at the St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing, graduating with her RN in 1959. In 1962, after spending time working in California, she moved to Thompson, Manitoba, where she met Thomas Farrell. They married on June 29, 1963, and raised three children in the north. Marlene was a born nurse. She was always learning and never lost the desire to help other people whether in the healthcare system or the greater community. She was always a nurse; on the wards of hospitals, in public health, in nursing management, or just caring for friends, relatives and neighbours. Marlene was a supportive wife and mother, encouraging her family through all their accomplishments and challenges. When Tom entered municipal politics, she became his best advisor and critic. She was his right hand', and was with him to meet dignitaries including prime ministers, premiers and royalty. In the fall of 1989, Tom accepted a position with the provincial government, and Marlene gave up her position as Director of Nursing at the Thompson General Hospital and happily moved to Winnipeg taking a nursing position at Deer Lodge Hospital allowing her to be close to, and care for, her own mother, Freda, for many years. In 1996 Marlene finished her professional nursing career, retiring from Deer Lodge Hospital, and moved out to their new home in Victoria Beach. She was finally back home. In Victoria Beach, she joined the East Beaches Senior's Scene volunteering in various club programs. She was also instrumental in the development of the Victoria Beach First Responders, training and working as an EMT, sharing her confidence, experience and expertise. Marlene loved to garden and her yard was her pride and joy. She fed the deer in the winter and chased them out of her vegetable and flower gardens in the summer. Marlene is survived by Tom, her husband of 53 years; children Sean (Jackie), Shannon (Dave) and Paul as well as grandchildren Riley, Thomas, Lily, Aiden, Meghan, Connor, Kieran and step grandchildren Emma and Olivia who all called her Amma. All of her grandchildren will remember special times with Amma baking, gardening, picking berries, having tea parties and simply appreciating nature. Amma was happiest when her whole family was around the table for a huge family dinner. She is also survived by her brother Lloyd Jonsson; sister Enid Tyler as well as numerous other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Daeninck and the staff at St. Boniface Hospital CancerCare for their support throughout Marlene's illness, and the staff at Selkirk and District General Hospital for their wonderful palliative care and support. There will be a prayer service at Gilbart Funeral Home on Friday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will take place at Notre Dame du Laus in Powerview, MB on Saturday, September 3 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2016