LETA MARIE ARNASON (VANN) -

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LETA MARIE ARNASON (nee VANN) 1930 - 2003 On Tuesday, March 3, 2003, at the age of 72, Marie Arnason passed away in Winnipeg, MB. Marie was predeceased by her husband Frank, and her granddaughter Amy Elizabeth. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Brett (Marnie), Barry (Lana), Ron (Elaine), Roy (Marnie) and Lynne (Campbell) grandchildren, Rhett (Holly), Dan (Danielle), Russell (Jana), Lauren, Hayley, Robyn, Kirk, Thomas and MacRae; great-granddaughter Hannah; brothers, Leslie Vann (Cil) and Murray Vann (Bonnie) and many relatives and friends of all ages. Marie was born on October 11, 1930 in Bethany, MB, the only daughter of Harry and Myrtle Vann (nee Boyd). She grew up on the Vann family farm near Bethany, where she worked and played with her brothers and cousins. Marie enjoyed returning to Bethany with her family and sharing stories of a very happy childhood. She often remarked how surprising it was that the hill on the farm she and her brothers skied down as children became so much smaller over the years. It was at a Bethany Friday night dance that she met the love of her life, Frank, and a budding romance was formed. After saying goodnight, Frank boldly declared to Maries mother, "Take care of your daughter, I will be back to marry her someday!" And return he did, three years later, after Marie had finished school, travelled to the big city to obtain her teachers certificate, and taught for one year in a one room country school near Plumas. Marie married Frank on August 6, 1949 - the hottest day of the century. They settled in Gimli where both worked hard to support their growing family and took part in all of the activities that a small town has to offer. Marie was an avid curler and participant in the local Kinette Club. In August 1963, the family moved to Winnipeg, continuing to spend summers in Gimli and at the family cottage on Willow Island. Marie continued to curl for many years and shared Franks interest in thoroughbred horse breeding and racing. Frank and Marie loved to travel and shared many exciting trips on this continent and abroad. With Frank, she demonstrated that kindness, generosity, zest for life, and commitment to family and community open doors that can lead anywhere you want to go. Following Franks death in 1987, Marie faced new challenges with tremendous support from the many friendships that she and Frank had formed as a couple, and through new friendships formed on her own. She pursued her hobby interests including crafts such as knitting and painting, and playing bridge and scrabble. She was an unstoppable garage saler. Marie volunteered with The Arthritis Society and took a part time job working at Tanjay clothing store. She enjoyed getting "dressed up" and helping others "feel good about themselves". Last year, Marie returned to live year round in Gimli at the Waterfront where she rekindled some old friendships. She loved to visit with her friends over coffee. Marie devoted her life to her family and was above all else a wife, mother and grandmother. Her commitment and devotion to her family was unshakable. She never failed to help meet the challenges and share the celebrations of all family members. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and her great-grandchild, and of her wonderful relationship with her daughters-in-law and son-in-law, all of whom responded in kind with great love and affection. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, the Spinal Cord Research Centre at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Manitoba 730 William Ave., Room 436, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3J7, or The Arthritis Society, 105-386 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6. There will be a private interment at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, March 7. A service in celebration of Maries life will be held at the Johnson Hall, 5th floor, 94 First Ave., Gimli, MB, on Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2003