MARIANNE HAYHURST

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MARIANNE HAYHURST

(nee SWEENEY)

February 21, 1933 - September 20, 2026

Peacefully, on September 20, 2026, with her loving husband of 73 years at her side in the Beausejour Health Centre, the matriarch of our family passed away after overcoming many years of ailments and diagnoses that were no match for her spirit - she continued to "KBO" until her strength was gone. She leaves behind her husband Peter, children, Brian, Tony (Chris), and Kelli (Mark), as well as grandchildren, Lauren (Cody), Jess (Brett), and Waverly, and great-grandchild Dylan.

"Sister Mary" was born in Bexhill-on-Sea, England, the fifth of nine children and very much the helper and carer, which was emphasized when the siblings were evacuated into countryside homes during the war. She was predeceased by brothers, Les (Vonnie*), Terry (Rita), and Pat (Sue), and sisters, Nonnie (Cliff), Sheila (Cliff), and Sally (Dennis*), as well as stepsister Carol. Left to mourn her loss are her youngest sisters, Stella (Pete) and Diane, and dear in-laws*, along with numerous extended family members on both Sweeney and Hayhurst sides.

"Miss Sweeney" met Peter in the summer of 1950 at a dance in Ninfield Memorial Hall. She had beauty and humour in abundance, with a gentle, kind, and caring nature. They were married on July 18, 1953, at St. Peter’s Church in Bexhill. Mary and their two young sons emigrated to Canada, following Peter and his brothers, in the summer of 1957. She was the great handwritten letter-writer in the family, and both noted and was interested in all the key moments in everyone’s lives; the lynchpin who kept everyone near and far close in heart. The family settled in Winnipeg, in the St. Vital and Charleswood areas, where they had their daughter and (literally) built their communities.

"Mum" cared for immediate and extended family members while working as bookkeeper for Dad's carpentry business for decades. They made their weekend respite on an island in Lake of the Woods starting in 1974, where they spent much of their time and experienced some of their fondest memories hosting friends and family - working in the mornings and relaxing in the afternoons including "happy hour" on the deck - a routine that continues today. Mary was an avid knitter who took her talent on the road, knitting needles clacking on the drive, with family sporting her handiwork across the country and across the pond.

"Auntie Mary" was instrumental in getting and keeping family, friends, and neighbours together, particularly around the holidays. Christmas Day had everyone coming for dinner (especially her sausage rolls and pies) as she cooked and baked for dozens of people around a retrofitted table that Uncle Pete expanded with sheets of plywood. The family gatherings kept getting bigger as cousins brought significant others and then their children, whom she welcomed to the party with her sharp wit and tender care, respectively. A happily noisy family that she gathered and kept in good spirits and dry humour for decades.

"Granny" and Grandad spent their retirement in Tuxedo area, hosting Wednesday dinners each week and doting on their grandchildren (with innumerable photos taken by "Flash Granny"), before moving to Oakbank in 2009. Any worry she had about people not making the trip to visit was dispelled by an even fuller house, and the traditions continued. Mary befriended everyone she met with her friendly "personality that just drew you in". She never shied away from the big or little efforts to bring people together and into her home. She was a constant carer and supporter in our lives for so long and remained true to all her loves (including her German Shepherd companions, Shadow, Raven, and Addie) until the very end.

Our beloved Granny, Auntie Mary, Mum, Miss Sweeney, Sister Mary was bound and determined to make it home for "one last hurrah" last week, with a rally of strength and retorts that impressed us all. She will be remembered for her grace and beauty, in her favourite flowers (spring bulbs and carnations, in particular), and as we raise a glass and toast to her, "the end of an era", in our happiest hours. We loved her dearly and we will miss her the rest of our lives. In lieu of a service, those who wish to pay their respects are encouraged to donate in her honour to a local pet rescue organization or Canadian Blood Services.

Be kind and caring and thoughtful, and all those wonderful things that you are. - Marianne Hayhurst

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2026