Marion ISHENBERG

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ISHENBERG: The Life of Marion Hannah (Simpson) Ishenberg. Marion was born on Sept 25, 1921 in her family farm house in Brookdale, Manitoba. She was the third child of Hector Lamont Simpson and Lena Jane (Walker) Simpson. Marion’s sister Eleanor was the first born in 1916. Francis came next in 1919, Dorothy in 1927, and last, but not least Charlie in 1930. Marion spent her entire childhood and school-age years in Brookdale. She was pre- deceased by her husband Harold, her father and her mother and her brother Francis and his wife Thelma. She was also predeceased by her sister-in-law Ida (Ishenberg) Sumner, brother-in-laws, John Sumner, Frans Swanson and Walter Yonda. She is survived by her sister Eleanor, her sister Dorothy and her husband Stanley Cook, her brother Charlie and his wife Ruby, and her other favourite sister-in-law Mildred (Ishenberg) Yonda. She is survived by her four children, her eight grandchildren and her seven great grandchildren. In 1940 Marion attended Normal School in Brandon, Manitoba and completed her teacher's training in 1941. Soon after, she began teaching at two different country schools, Lornedale and Glendale. Two of her favourite students were Roy McGillivray and Don Montgomery. Marion married Harold Ishenberg, January 26, 1944. She was obligated to resign from teaching once she was married. She finished the school year and then began her life as a farmer's wife. Marion had four children. Brian Harold arrived November 24, 1947, Julie Ann, October 20, 1949, Linda Jane, June 26, 1952 and Moira Leigh, March 25, 1960. They all lived on the farm in the Mentmore District, affectionately known as "Rocking Achers", which was named from the fact that all the rocks made your back ache! In 1959, Harold won a very special agricultural honour, the Nuffield Scholarship, a six month agriculture exchange in England and Scotland. He left in January, leaving Mom to manage the farm, the spring seeding, and three children, until she met up with him in London in July. They toured England, Scotland, France and Switzerland and made many lasting friendships. They often stayed at the Moira Hotel. In 1962, Harold and Marion built a new home on the outskirts of Neepawa and the family got to experience ‘town life’. Marion also resumed her teaching career at this time working as a substitute teacher. Marion was involved in many activities over the years. The Mentmore curling and skating rink was where the family spent many winter hours, and she continued to "bonspiel" even after the move to Neepawa. Summer time found Harold and Marion at the Neepawa Golf and Country Club. Dad was pleased to have a golf pro as a son in law when Moira married Shawn. Other past times included square dancing, Sweet Adelines, the W.I., Hospital Auxiliary, and the Neepawa United Church choir. Marion helped in starting the new Drop-In Center, she was on the Museum board when it was formed, and was involved in the Rotary Club though Inner Wheel. Following the death of her husband on July 1, 1988, Marion moved into an apartment in Neepawa. Pascal, Marion, and Claire Elissalde, Lindsay and Britt Hainstock and Keely, Britton, and Gabrielle Woods all have fond and special memories of their time together with Grandma. In December 2009, Marion moved to Country Meadows. It was almost like moving home, as she and Harold had once owned the property where the care home is built. Marion died of heart failure in the Neepawa Hospital on November 6, 2012. Those who wish may donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Country Meadows Personal Care Home in Marion’s memory.Dear Mom, We are all grateful for having you in our lives. We are thankful for your unconditional love, no matter which path our lives were on. In difficult times you accepted us and loved us even more. We all have our own memories of the times we spent together. The legacy of your strength, your courage, your zest for life, your kindness to all, and your ability to show your love will live on through all of us. We all felt like we were the pride and joy of your life.Love your children,grandchildren andgreat grandchildren.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 01, 2012