MARY LEVINA VESINGER

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MARY LEVINA VESINGER

(nee VIVIER)

April 20, 1926 - September 15, 2026

It is with profound sadness, but also with deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Mary Lavina Vesinger (Pooshish) a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great-Grandmother, and the cherished matriarch of her family, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100.

She was predeceased by her parents, Charles Vivier and Lavina Lesperance; husbands, Bernard Brine, Tom Brine, George Vesinger and Normand Sanders; daughters, Catherine and Doreen; siblings, Irene, Lillian, Laura, Della, Charlie, Jack, and Leo and granddaughter Ashley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Born on April 20, 1926, in Portage la Prairie in Manitoba Vina lived through an extraordinary century. Through times of change and challenge, she remained grounded in the things that mattered most to her: family, love, faith, tradition, and community. A proud Red River Métis woman, carried her heritage with strength and pride. She understood the importance of knowing where you came from, honouring those who came before you, and making sure the stories, traditions, and values of one generation were carried forward to the next. But above all else, family was her greatest treasure - and her grandchildren held an especially precious place in her heart.

There was a special warmth in the way she loved her grandchildren. She celebrated their accomplishments, worried about them when they were hurting, encouraged them when life was difficult, and took immense pride in the people they became. Each grandchild had their own special place in her heart, and each one could feel that they were loved.

For her grandchildren, she was more than a grandmother. She was a source of comfort, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. Her stories, her advice, her familiar voice, and the little moments they shared with her will remain treasured memories for years to come. She loved watching her family grow. To see her children raise their own families, and then to watch those families grow into yet another generation, was one of the greatest joys of her long life. Her home and her presence were a gathering place for generations. She brought people together around the table, through family celebrations, through stories of the past, and through the simple everyday moments that became treasured memories.

At 100 years old, she had the rare gift of seeing her family extend across multiple generations. She carried the memories of those who had gone before her while proudly watching those who would carry the family forward. She leaves behind numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and community members. Each of them carries something of her with them. Some will carry her stories. Some will carry her traditions. Some will carry her sense of humour. Some will carry her strength. But all will carry her love. Her grandchildren, especially, will forever remember the way she made them feel—loved, welcomed, important, and never alone.

Though her chair may now be empty and her voice may no longer fill the room, the family she loved so deeply will continue to gather, tell stories, laugh, remember, and pass her teachings to the generations ahead. She was our mother.

She was our grandmother. She was our Elder. She was our storyteller. She was our connection to those who came before us. She was our matriarch. And to her grandchildren, she was something even more - a lifetime of unconditional love, a safe place to turn, and a grandmother whose heart always had room for them.

Her 100-year journey has come to an end, but the legacy she built will continue through every child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and generation that follows. Her life was long. Her love was deep. Her legacy is forever. Rest peacefully, Grandma. You gave us a century of memories, and a lifetime of love

A celebration of life and feast to commemorate Vina’s life will be held on Friday October 2, 2026 at the Ed Wood (Kewkaywin) Community facility 1564 Arlington Street 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2026