MARJORIE CLARA SANDER (GILCHRIST)

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MARJORIE CLARA SANDER (nee GILCHRIST) There are times when gaping holes that can never be mended are left in your heart. This is one of them. Peacefully, on February 3, 2005 after a very brief but courageous battle with cancer, Marjorie Clara Sander left the confines of her body to begin her jde ourney to another place that has no pain, with her loving family besiher to bid farewell. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband John; as well as her children, Glen and his wife Jill, Linda and her husband Robin and Carol. The joy of her life were her grandchildren, Laura, Sarah, Scott and two recent additions, Sean and Kristin. Her presence will also be missed by her brother Bruce and his wife Carmen, and many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her son Bruce in 1997. Mom was born in Winnipeg on April 24, 1935 to Clara and Tom Gilchrist. Grandpa was a proud Scotsman and thought that good therapy for Mom's weak ankles was to learn Highland Dancing as soon as she could walk. This early introduction was the catalyst for the love of music that embraced and guided Mom for the remainder of her life. At the age of six, she began to learn to play the piano and continued until she had mastered her craft. This talent and skill defined Mom's essence and joy, for which she will always be remembered. Growing up on Lipton Street, she attended Greenway School, General Wolf School, and Daniel MacIntyre. Mom loved school and was very involved in the musical productions, choir and Alumni choir. She also was a member of the CGIT, Girl Guides and the Home Street United Church Choir. Mom joined her family in spending every possible moment at the family cottage at Brereton Lake. They built it during the war and Mom often told stories of how they would each be sent into the store, one at a time, with their money to buy the allotted amount of nails allowed during that time. They were so precious that her job was to sit and straighten the bent ones so they could be reused rather than discard them. Many happy summers and weekends were spent lying on the beach, swimming and laughing with her close lifetime friends. In 1960, Mom attained the highest standing of Music Teacher from the Royal Toronto Conservatory of Music, and thus began her career of spreading the joy and love of music to others. She had many private students to whom she passed this on to during her lifetime. Mom was employed at Winnipeg Hydro from 1953 until 1971, with a short break during those years to have her first two children. While there, she became the musical director for all the retirement and Christmas parties and loved to stage elaborate productions involving costumes and dance. Mom had the great fortune to meet and marry Dad, who accepted all three of us with open arms in 1971. A move to the farm in Faulkner, MB changed not only her life, but also touched lives of the people in the surrounding area. She volunteered at Steep Rock School, teaching music to the students on Friday afternoons. Even the very reluctant ones found themselves singing and dancing. She helped to organize the school Christmas concerts as well as hosting hot dog dinners and practices at the school before going to serenade the seniors of the community at their Christmas parties. Mom also managed to show up at every school holiday party to bring treats, play games and, of course, sing. Birthday parties were very important to Mom and she made each one of us feel very special as she planned each party, made each unique cake, and packed the goodie bags with many treats for our friends. Mom's motto was, If you can't invite the whole school bus, then you shouldn't invite anyone . For all the kids who ever attended, these parties were legendary. Mom was heavily involved in the community and was always quick to respond to anyone in need. Eastern Star, 4-H, Interlake Festival of the Arts, teaching music at Gypsumville School, the Seniors' Club and playing for various weddings were all events and activities that she loved. A musical celebration of Mom's life will be held on Wednesday, February 9, at 2:00 p.m., at the Faulkner Community Hall. Mom will be buried beside her son Bruce at the Faulkner Cemetery, a gathering will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would gratefully appreciate donations being made to the Interlake Festival of the Arts (in care of the Moosehorn Credit Union, Box 190 R0C 2E0), to support awards for deserving piano students. Arrangements by: Arnason Funeral Home Ltd. Ashern-Lundar 1-204-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2005