RILLA UNGER

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RILLA UNGER

(WRIGHT)

June 2, 1928 – February 24, 2026

It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Rilla Marion Monkman/Unger on February 24, 2026, at Concordia Hospital, at the age of 97. Surrounded by her family in her last days she is now resting in the arms of her Savior.

Rilla was born on June 2, 1928, in St. Mary’s, Ontario, to Lawrence and Lena Wright. She was a devoted mother to Mark, Don (Susan), Kent (Laurent), and Sheila. She was a proud grandmother to Jamie Monkman (Renee), Jonathan Monkman (Abigail), Stephanie Biswell (Daniel), Jenessa Hunter, Rachelle Hunter, and Jaron Harper, and a cherished great-grandmother to Cloude, Blade, and Raiden Hunter; Tekoa, Roman, Alfie, Evie, Izzie, and Benji Monkman; and Poppy and Theo Biswell.

She is survived by her brother, Bill Wright, aged 99. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Gerald Wright, her first husband, Everet Monkman, whom she married on July 15, 1961, and her second husband, John Unger, whom she married on October 7, 1995.

Rilla was known for her unwavering faith and her lifelong dedication to ministry — especially to children. Her legendary Sunday school lessons are remembered by family and generations of children at First Nations Community Church. In her later years, she carried on a quiet ministry of correspondence, offering encouragement to prisoners through faithful letter writing.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospital staff, her home care workers, and especially her eldest son Mark, who cared for her in her final years.

Celebration of Rilla’s life will be held at the First Nations Community Church, 44 Tentler Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba. Wake service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. and the Funeral service on March 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2026