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MARGARET JUNE KENTNER
Born: Jul 31, 1945
Date of Passing: Sep 28, 2019
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MARGARET JUNE KENTNER
July 31, 1945 - September 28, 2019
Marg's impetuous nature and her belief that almost anything was possible led her to a variety of careers. In 1975, she started her wildly-successful store A Touch of Class, one of the first 'boutique' businesses in Winnipeg. In 1986, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Women Business Owners of Manitoba, as well as the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association Award of Retail Excellence.
After meeting her long-time partner, Hennie, she sold the store and settled down with him on a rural property just outside Marquette. But Marg hated to cook, so she built a restaurant in St. Francis Xavier - the Medicine Rock Café - in 1991. Thee Olde Nunnery Café and Market launched just down the road in 1994, and the Tin Lizzie Car Barn opened in 1997.
After the car barn closed in 2002, Marg worked with the Manitoba Historical Society to develop and operate the gift shop at Dalnavert Museum until 2011. From 2006 to 2013, she also operated the Global Village Artifacts and Accents store in Stonewall. In 2014, Marg and Hennie moved to Stonewall. Marg tried to retire, but she was not one to sit still and opened a pop-up store to help her downsize. This turned into The Grand Bazaar gift shop in Stonewall, her final business venture.
Her life-long passion was travel, including hitchhiking to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas in the 1960s, as well as working in an English pub for a year to finance trips throughout Europe, India, the Middle East, Turkey and Greece. Later, she travelled to Moscow for a Summit Series hockey game in 1972, and to trade shows in New York, London, Frankfurt, Milan, Sweden and Central and South America. She drove to Guatemala and Brazil when she was near 50, hitchhiked to Montreal at age 65, travelled to South Korea at 67 and to Moscow, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at age 70. In September 2019, she joined a group trip to Chile and Argentina. She passed away peacefully in her sleep in a room with a view of a lake and the mountains, just as she would have wanted.
Her magnetic personality, sense of fun and up-for-anything attitude drew people to her, and she was a wonderful friend. Marg loved history, antiques, old cars and music. She curled, played golf and competed in the Manitoba 55 Plus Games, learned Spanish, and was a news junkie and a member of several historical societies. And whether you knew her as Margaret, Marg, Meg, Margie, Marge, Sis, Auntie Marg, Daisy or Oma, she was always larger-than-life, with rings on every finger and a smile just for you.
Marg is survived by her partner Hennie Van Gerwen; her stepson Rick (Jasmine) and grandchildren, Colton and Katrice; stepson Rob (Lorie), grandchildren Cindy (Kadeem) and Sara (Robert) and three great-grandchildren; and stepson James (Kim) and grandchildren, Mark, Jennifer (Laura) and Kelly and two great-grandchildren; her brother Bill (Carole), niece Julie (Eric), nephews James and Brian (Jacki), five great-nieces and a great-nephew, foster sister Doreen Hicks (Glen), as well as several cousins and many friends.
To celebrate her life, a casual come-and-go memorial service will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the Royal Canadian Legion (459 Main Street) in Stonewall, Manitoba from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A private family interment will take place in Boissevain, Manitoba at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Mennonite Central Committee of Manitoba or Doctors Without Borders.
Publish Date: Oct 12, 2019
MARGARET JUNE KENTNER
An obituary and memorial details will follow.
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2019
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2019, Oct 12, 2019
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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We were shocked and saddened to hear of Margaret’s passing only today as we stopped by the Grand Bazaar. We did not know her well, but whenever we stopped by the store she welcomed us with open arms as though we’d known each other for a lifetime. Thank you, Margaret, for the special person you were to us, and the life you lived was a blessing to all who met you and knew you. You will be missed dearly. ♥️ - Posted by: Patricia and Robert Thomson (Friends) on: Jan 10, 2020
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I've just been informed of Margarets passing. To her family and closer friends,my huaband and I are truly sorry. She was a kind and loving and smart woman. I'd first met her at the Medicine Rock Cafe and followed her journey to the Nunnery. We'd only just reconnected 2 years ago in Stonewall where my husband and I have settled. She was a wonderful woman and may her heart and blessings from God live on. - Posted by: Cyndi Slapinski (Friend) on: Jan 01, 2020
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Though I did not know Marg personally, I will never forget the time that she stopped at the top of our driveway when my brother and his friend were selling wooden airplanes that they had made in my Dad's garage one summer. She bought one from them and displayed it in the Medicine Rock Cafe; my brother was so tickled by that. - Posted by: Dayle () on: Dec 03, 2019
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Margaret was one of the coolest women that I've ever known! While working for her at the Tin Lizzie Car Barn, I was constantly inspired by her intelligence, energy, charisma and her humour. It was a pleasure to be there, yet she often thanked me at the end of the day. Hennie, she fondly recalled the charming note in the bouquet which you'd sent to her much earlier, on Academy Road. You were a special couple. Today, I'm sending my sincere sympathy to you and your family. Weren't we all so fortunate to have known her! - Posted by: Susan Fidler (former employee) on: Nov 08, 2019
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Hennie, we were sorry to hear of Margaret's passing. Margaret was such a fun, loving and vibrant person. We loved our visits back and forth over the 18+ years we lived on the same road. We fondly remember the tea parties, erecting the teepee, roasting hotdogs or decorating the Christmas tree. Margaret was always happy and enjoyed our get togethers. We missed you both when you moved to Stonewall. Whenever we'd stop in at the store in Stonewall, Margaret always made us feel so special...she truly was interested in all our lives! We will miss Margaret and her always cheerful smile. Our condolences to you and all the family. - Posted by: The Locks (Neighbors ) on: Oct 17, 2019
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I did not know Margaret well but I recall interviewing her while employed with the Manitoba Co-operator and writing about her rural business ventures. I was always impressed by her tenacity and vision and frankness. More recently, I really enjoyed our short and lively conversations whenever I stopped in at The Grand Bazaar Gift Shop. My deepest condolences to her friends and family on her passing. - Posted by: Lorraine Stevenson (Acquaintance) on: Oct 16, 2019
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It came at a great shock to have heard of Margie's passing. Margie was part of the McCuaig family for quite some time and will be remembered as a kind and generous soul and partner of my father Peter McCuaig. I've ran into Margie many times over the years and she was always so genuine in her interest of our activities and lives. I extend my condolences to Margie's family in their loss. - Posted by: Donald McCuaig (Friend) on: Oct 15, 2019
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Marg was a Mentor, Friend, and Neighbor. I met Marg during her St. Francois Xavier days and spent many hours dreaming and planning with her. She has left me with the power to believe in yourself, follow your dreams and make it work.I will miss her encouragement. Hennie and Marg were an active part of the Marquette community and she will be missed by friends and neighbours - Posted by: Janet Hildebrand (Friend) on: Oct 15, 2019
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I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Margie's passing. I met her in the 70's through friends and had the privilege of working at A Touch of Class. I learned so much from her and admired her sense of adventure, her curious mind, and her passion for life. After moving to the Interlake a number of years ago I reconnected with her again and I am so happy I had a chance to spend some time with her. My sincere condolences to Hennie and to Margie's family. I will miss her. - Posted by: CAROL BEAUCHEMIN (Friend) on: Oct 13, 2019
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I am so very sad to hear this news about Marg...so loved and respected by all of us. I will always remember her independent spirit and belief that one can do anything..She was a testament to all of that..Stonewall could not have had a better ambassador..or Manitoba, for that matter.My deepest sympathy to Hennie and family. Love from Hermina - Posted by: Hermina Hildebrand (Friend) on: Oct 13, 2019
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I remember the last time I saw her in July and she gave me this beautiful bracelet and it’s now on my night stand. It was just any other day when I learned my aunt marg passed and it hurts so bad to know I’ll never see or talk or hug her ever again, but I know I’ll never forget because her memory lives on in the so many lives she touched! - Posted by: Faith Kentner (Great niece ) on: Oct 12, 2019
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I was jolted to return from my vacation today and hear this very sad news. Marg was always the greatest friend and supporter ever since she first started selling my pottery at A Touch Of Class in the late 70's. She was a rare and wonderful individual. My deepest sympathy to Hennie and her family. She will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Steve Jorgenson (Friend) on: Oct 09, 2019
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Hennie, Carol and I were shocked to learn of Margaret's passing. We know that she was very special in your life. Our condolences to you and her family. Margaret will be missed by her Inwood golfing friends. - Posted by: Ian and Carol Petrie (friend) on: Oct 04, 2019
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Margaret was a exceptional person. She was full of life and a wonderful person to work with and friend. Her kindness and spirit will live on in the people she was close to. My sincere condolences to her family and partner Hennie Van Gerwin. - Posted by: Jacqueline Goods (Friend) on: Oct 01, 2019
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My heart is shattered today to see that my beloved heart sister has passed away. I cannot believe that a life so vibrant and full of energy is now gone. I just so recently talked to her and she was so excited that next July we would celebrate her big 75th birthday in style. To Hennie who is in our hearts and to the family we express our deepest condolence on the loss of such a magnificent influence to all around her. Rest in peace my beloved friend. I will miss you forever. - Posted by: Vicky and Del Borgstrom (Our big sister who lived with us and was a very special part of our family from the early 1970's.) on: Oct 01, 2019