MARION JESSIE

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MARION JESSIE McLEOD (nee ROSS) On Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, Marion McLeod passed away peacefully at age 90 years. Mom was born on March 27, 1913 in Hazelridge, MB where her parents, Tom and Mabel Ross, raised their five daughters. Mom attended high school in Winnipeg and also worked in an office in Winnipeg for a year before returning to Oakbank to care for her grandmother. She met and married Dad on June 10, 1933. They purchased her grandmothers home that had been built in 1921, where they raised their five children. Currently her grandson, Jeff Rigaux and his wife own the home. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Mabel Ross (Fisher) her husband Dougie; her son Barry; daughter Judy Killbery; son-in-law Noel Rigaux; and sisters, Ina, Roberta and Thelma Joy; as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law. Mom will be sadly missed by her children, Glenn (Mary), Linda (Wayne), Leslie (Peter) son-in-law Barry (Kathy) and daughter-in-law Beverly. Also left to remember Grandma are 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Her sister Grace of Grand Prairie, AB is also left to remember her. Mom lived for her children and grandchildren. Even though she and Dad longed to visit Scotland, when it came to decide where to spend their vacation, it was never a doubt that they would visit one of their children and beloved grandchildren, who lived in various cities across the country. Mom worked outside the home at various occupations, some of which were assistant cook at Elmhurst Golf Club and Post Mistress at the Oakbank Post Office. Moms leisure time was spent at her many interests in politics, gardening, baking and her passion, reading. Mom was active in the Oakbank Community Club and the Oakbank United Church. She worked hard to ensure that Oakbank was a community that cared for its residents. Mom was one of the founders of the Oakbank lending library, and remained interested in it as long as she was able. Mom made friends of all who met her. Some of her friends, such as Janet Smythe and Donna Fast remained devoted to her over the years. For Donna, though there were many years between their ages, they forged a bond that sustained through sickness and distance for over 60 years. Mom was a friend to her sisters and brothers-in-law as well, and she especially enjoyed spending time with them playing cards. Mom experienced a devastating stroke in 1980 and was never able to communicate fully after that. Through her own determination and spirit, she taught herself to read again. Through true grit, passion and humour, she communicated her feelings and desires for 23 years, a vital woman trapped in a body that did not work. But Moms smile could light up your day. Her never-failing positive outlook made it a joy to be in her presence. Moms new and final home at Middlechurch, where she lived for almost 12 years, can only be described as a warm and safe haven of love. Mom was cared for by loving, caring hands. Every person that cared or cleaned or cooked for Mom never hesitated to touch her with kindness or a cheery word. Thank you to everyone at Middlechurch, especially Marie and Betty. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the Oakbank United Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. Donations in memory of Mom may be made to Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, 280 Balderstone Rd., West St. Paul, MB R4A 4A6 or to the Oakbank United Church, Oakbank, MB R9O 1J0. "Rest in Peace Mom, we loved you." Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2003