MARGUERITE ELLEN CHRUSTIE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARGUERITE ELLEN CHRUSTIE

Marguerite passed away on October 27, 2022 at 90 years of age at Concordia Hospital.
She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Kwiatek (Stan); son, Calvin (wife Kristy and her son Gabe); sister Shirley Holyk; brother Delbert Reid (Louise); and sisters-in-laws: Ann and Connie; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She had a lot of wonderful friendships through her church, St. Stephen's Anglican Church; former classmates; fellow residents at Concordia Village as well as former neighbours from East Kildonan where Marguerite and Bill resided from the early 1960's until they passed.
Marguerite was predeceased by her husband William (Bill) in November of 2021; parents Barb and George Reid; brother Walter (Asa); her brother-in-law Paul Holyk, as well as all of Bill's siblings.
Marguerite grew up in Elgin, Manitoba and attended Normal School in 1950 and 1951. She taught school in Swan River, where she met the love of her life "Bill". They moved to Winnipeg and began their family where she devoted the remainder of her life as a mother, homemaker and loving partner to Bill. She loved children, cherished the moments interacting with them and continuing her "education sessions" even as a mother. She was always excited to hear from her former students. She was engaged in the community and loved interacting with her children's friends as they grew up.
She was known for her baking and the neighbourhood kids and family often dropped in for her homemade cookies and baking. Both she and Bill loved visiting with family and friends. They enjoyed the outdoors, wildlife and spent considerable time enjoying each other's company at Wellman and Bird Lake. Marguerite loved music and art and took piano and art lessons later in life. While Bill fished, she read books, watched birds and took pride in identifying the types of birds. Our mother was known for an exceptional sense of humour and embraced that quality in others, including that quality in her son-in-law Stan who made her laugh on a regular basis. She was particularly witty, caring and empathetic to others, always expressing concern for others and offering support and love to friends, neighbours, church friends and family. She loved to sing, listen to birds and was often heart singing "You are my Sunshine" as one of her favourite songs.
Her children, Calvin and Carolyn are particularly grateful for the love and care that our mother provided to us and later to Bill when he encountered health issues. Her priority quickly turned to his wellbeing and she devoted her later years to spending time caring for him.
Appreciating the fragility of our mother's health and her inability to travel, the family held a wedding this past summer in Winnipeg where her son Calvin married Kristy, ensuring Marguerite could participate in this family event that included her newly acquired grandson, Gabe. At 90, her vibrant personality added flair, humour and a special touch of class for those in attendance. In short, Marguerite, up until her last day, provided love, wit, care, support and friendship to all those she encountered. That is what people will remember about her.
Marguerite had a few health challenges in the last few years and was quite proud of the fact that she was a "medical miracle". We would like to thank the medical teams at the Asper Centre (Dr. Warrian and Dr. Khalil) and Concordia Hospital for giving us a few extra years with her. She had amazing care at both facilities. We feel very fortunate for that extra time. A special thank you to the home care staff that provided care to her. A special thank you to all her family and friends who supported her with phone calls and visits.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marguerite's memory to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, in support of Cardiac Care. At Marguerite's request, there will be no service.

Winds of Love

May the winds of love blow softly
And whisper so you can hear.
We will always love and miss you
And wish that you were here.
For all that life has given us
And all that's left to do,
We'll know no greater treasure
Than the time we had with you.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2022