MARILYN ELIZABETH DUMA

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MARILYN ELIZABETH DUMA

(nee MAWHINNEY)

September 12, 1931 - September 28, 2025

Marilyn was a lifelong resident of Winnipeg and a proud Canadian. Born on September 12, 1931, she grew up helping her father raise her five brothers, and that same devotion to family continued throughout her life. She passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, shortly after celebrating her 94th birthday.

She married Frank Duma, and together they raised their two children, Julie and Glenn. Marilyn also built a successful career as a realtor in Winnipeg, working first with George Liss and later with Stevenson Realtors, where she was admired for her dedication and professionalism.

Her life was filled with friendships and joyful traditions. She belonged to the sorority Beta Sigma Phi, loved golf, and cherished her summers at the family cabin in Victoria Beach. Winters were happily spent in Palm Springs, California with her children. She loved to travel, especially her journey to Ireland to discover her parents’ birthplace - a testament to her pride in her Irish heritage.

An avid card player, Marilyn especially loved poker and hearts. She played bridge with the same friends for over 20 years and was also known for her fierce competitive spirit at the Scrabble board, earning the title "Queen of Scrabble".

She was deeply loved by her children, Julie (Mark) and Glenn; her grandchildren, Tara (Bryce), Luke (Nick), and Jack; and her great-grandchildren, Ford, Bowen, and Wells. She was truly the heart of her family - the matriarch of the Mawhinney Clan.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband Frank, her parents, Caroline and Tom, and her brothers, Neil, Bruce, Harold, and Gerry (who passed in March). She is survived by her brother Jack (Marge) Mawhinney, her sister-in-law Judy Moon, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Drake-Maddox company for providing private daily companion care with such love and kindness - especially Felicia, Marnie, Maria, and Musa - whose support during her final months will always be remembered with deep appreciation. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and devotion. She will be remembered always for her warmth, her strength, and the many lives she touched.

Donations in honour of Marilyn’s life may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in

the palm of His hand.

- Old Irish Blessing

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2025