MARJORIE MALANCHUK (DEZALL)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARJORIE MALANCHUK (nee DEZALL) With deep sadness the Malanchuk family share news of the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Marjorie, at the Portage District General Hospital on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at the age of 85 years. Born in Fournierville, SK on December 4, 1916, Mom spent her early childhood in Dundalk, ON, returning to the Kincaid District in Saskatchewan in the early 1920s where her father homesteaded. The family moved to Gladstone in 1936, where Mom worked and continued to care for her younger sisters and brother until taking a position in Justice, MB. There she met Dad, her husband of 52 years. They later moved to Portage la Prairie in 1947, which has been home ever since. Her four children and many neighbourhood youngsters enjoyed the comfort of her care and attention during her years as a homemaker and stay-at-home Mom. Later she worked briefly at the Portage General Hospital before becoming a member of the MDC Laundry Staff until her retirement in 1981. A longtime member of Trinity United Church, Mom professed her faith daily in her unselfish service to others - quietly going about her duty as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbour. Her gentle caring nature made a difference to many a day, in many a life. Dedicated to the groups and committees to which she belonged - UCW - Unit 1; Trinity Congregational Life and Work; Ruth Rebekah Lodge No. 3; the Portage Senior Choir; and the Prosvita Club, her commitment to community was further displayed in her volunteer work with the Portage Service for Seniors in its infancy and the Meals on Wheels Program where she delivered meals for many years. We are extremely grateful for the gift of her life. Marjorie is predeceased by her husband William "Bill"; parents Charles and Margaret E. Dezall; infant brother; brothers, Gordon and Douglas Dezall; sister Sarah; and brothers-in-law, Eric Chandler and Allan Pritchett. Left to cherish her memory and continue her work are daughter Barbara (John) Palmer; sons, Reg (Patty), Murray and Bob (Denise) granddaughters, Nancy (Garth) Smith, Sarah (Jason) Mueller, Dana (Andrew) Allerton, Jane Palmer and Jaime Malanchuk; grandson Kirk Malanchuk; great-grandson Lachlan Allerton; sisters, Mary Chandler, Verna (Bruce) Riddell and Betty Pritchett; sisters-in-law, Jean and Lorraine Dezall, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Viewing and visitation will take place on Sunday evening, November 24 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Service to celebrate Marjories life will be held at Trinity United Church on Monday, November 25 at 1:30 p.m. with both Rev. Julie Baker and Rev. Ross Taylor officiating. Interment is to follow in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Marjories memory to Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7 or Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 5th St. S.E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Marjorie by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements, 857-4021.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2002