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MARION FRASER
1936 - 2019
She leaves to mourn her husband of 60 years, David, sons, Douglas (Kathy), Duncan (Phathi) and Donald (Marla), grandchildren, Ainsley, Dustin, Max "Vuli", Michael, Peter, Sara and Tom, brother Don (Catherine) Wardell, sister Anne White, and brother-in-law Don Fraser.
Marion was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario with her siblings, Marie, Don and Anne, and her parents, Howard and Lily. She trained as a nurse in Hamilton, Ontario, becoming an RN in 1957. She moved to Kenora, Ontario with her good friend Sandra Dangerfield (Milton) where she met David. They were married in February 1959.
Marion then became the full time mother of three rambunctious boys - Doug, Duncan and Don, who she raised in their River Heights home. Marion spent her life giving her time, energy and resources to her family, friends and community. She volunteered across Winnipeg, though she especially enjoyed her time at the South Family YMCA. At the Y she developed lifelong, strong friendships with the "Think Thin" group of women who exercised, ran marathons, and went on canoe trips together.
Marion's home away from home was the family cottage on a small island in Ptarmigan Bay on Lake of the Woods. She and David spent 50 summers together "at the lake". Initially, alone with the boys (and no telephone) on the weekdays, with David there on the weekends, then, in later years, with family, friends, and eventually her seven grandchildren - all who cherished their time there, surrounded by love, laughter and the sound of the loons.
When we think of Marion, words like helpful, supportive and energetic come to mind, but we also cherished her stubborn and direct nature. She was her own woman, imparting a strong streak of independence to her whole family.
We will miss Marion drinking a strong cup of coffee on a crisp morning at the lake, looking out across the water and declaring "I hope that boat out there is not coming here".
We want to thank the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for the excellent care and comfort they provided her at the end.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to South Family YMCA/YWCA Winnipeg, 5 Fermor Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2M 0Y1 or online at :
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/15902
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2019
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Chris and Khal send their condolences and well-wishes to Donald and his mom. Take care. - Posted by: Khal (Former Friend ) on: Jan 07, 2020
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My heartfelt condolences go out to David and the family. I was fortunate to know this lovely family as I worked as the receptionist at their dental office. They were never late for their appointments so we always had a chance to talk. They were some of my favorite patients. I was so sad to see this. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Laura (Dr. Helper) - Posted by: Laura Medven (dental patient) on: Nov 07, 2019
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David and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marion was one of those people who always took good care of people. We know that, for as new arrivals to Winnipeg, Marion and her Y lady friends were always there to support us - whether the Giant Garage Sale, program or facility ideas or just a friendly, caring person. I always knew that I could get a sympathetic ear and an honest answer. Marion will be missed. Susan and Bob Gallagher Executive Director South Family Y 1983-1987 - Posted by: Bob and Susan Gallagher (YMCA Friends) on: Oct 28, 2019
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Hey Doug, Duncan & Don - sorry to hear your mom passed away. Always admired her for what she had to manage with you three hell-raisers and doing so with grace & style. I have fond memories of visits to the Fraser household and her stoic hospitality and tolerance for the wide variety of interlopers that showed up. Very cool. A true Y mom we all secretly wished our moms could be more like. My condolences and all the best to you and your families. Giez - Posted by: Mark Giesbrecht (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2019
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The lovely picture of Marion, taken in a happier time, is the memory we wish to keep. She fought a good fight but is now free of her battle from heart and lung issues. We were friends for close to 60 years. When our children were young we spent time together at Granite Lake in a rented cottage before the Ptarmigan Bay Island cottage was built. Since we moved from Winnipeg six years ago and health issues took their toll, regular telephone conversations kept up the bond between Jean and Marion. We compared notes and commiserated. Our thoughts are with Dave and his family. Dave is fortunate to have such an attentive family to help him through this transition. - Posted by: Glenn & Jean Swift (Friends of Marion's and Dave's) on: Oct 26, 2019