MARCIA LYNN (MARCY) SCHWEIZER (KELL)

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MARCIA LYNN (MARCY) SCHWEIZER (nee KELL) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Marcy who left us on July 30, 2005. She was predeceased by her grandfather Albert Hurd (Bert) Warner, her grandmother Mary Ivadell (Babe) Warner and her aunt Mary Jane Carter. Marcy was born on January 26, 1958 and educated at Balmoral Hall, St. Mary's Academy and Viscount Gord Collegiate. At the age of ten she fell in love with horses and began her first riding lessons at the Charleswood Riding Club, subsequently moving to Teske's Training Centre when she was given her first horse. There she joined the Red River Pony Club and took lessons once a week. The rest of the time she watched and learned from the older more experienced riders, one of whom was a girl named Heather Davidson who had ridden professionally in Minneapolis and Chicago. The two had a very special bond due to their similar dedication, so Heather coached Marcy and told her wonderful stories of the equestrian show world outside of Manitoba. As a result, Marcy worked even harder to perfect her riding skills and excelled in Equitation. At the age of 14 her grandmother gave her a second mount - her beloved jumper Happy Day . He and Marcy, after much training (he had been a race horse), began showing in Moose Jaw and Regina as well as throughout Manitoba and did remarkably well in the Intermediate Jumper Classes. Marcy also did well in her academic studies, and when she wasn't riding she wrote poetry and short stories. She also taught herself to play the guitar and would often strum and sing to entertain everyone at the barn. She began to teach young riders in Pony Club and found she enjoyed seeing the results of her efforts, so she added coaching to her education. At the age of 16 she met the man she was to marry. His name was Hermann Schweizer and he was from Germany. He had come to Canada to farm in Brunkild, but his special love was the equestrian world. He had ridden professionally in France and Germany and wanted to join the riding world in Manitoba. So, while still working on a farm, he found his way to Teske's Training Centre and hence the show business he was looking for. Marcy got to know him and they became good friends. As time went on Hermann joined the show circuit with Marcy. By the time she was 18 love had bloomed between the two and they were married when she was 19. Thus began their love story that lasted 28 years. Marcy and Hermann rented a house and land outside of Springstein, MB and moved their three horses into a small barn, and there she learned to be a farm wife, an excellent cook, housekeeper and a warm and gracious hostess, as well as continuing her equestrian endeavours, which included becoming an active member of the Manitoba Hunter/Jumper Association and Equine Canada. Marcy was awarded the Level Two Coaching Certificate. She grew into a beautiful young woman with a warm and friendly personality and a wonderful sense of humour. After many years of scrimping and saving Marcy and Hermann were able to build the equestrian facility of their dreams, now known as Northfield Farms, in the municipality of Cartier, MB. It includes their home, a 30 horse barn and an arena with a reception and viewing room. She worked day and night shoulder to shoulder with her husband to establish their equine business, travelling east and west and even to Germany to purchase horses to train and sell. Twelve years ago their pride and joy arrived - a daughter named Kristina Tina . Marcy became a wonderful mother and took her daughter everywhere. As time went on, the business thrived, the baby grew up and everything was just the way Marcy had always wanted. Then two years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She endured many chemo and radiation treatments as well as surgery without a complaint. It looked as though she would be fine. However the cancer returned with a fury and on July 30 she passed away with her beloved husband holding her hand. She died as she had lived, with grace and dignity. Marcy will be mourned by her husband of 28 years, Hermann Schweizer; daughter Tina; mother Carolyn Warner Kell and her companion Bill Haufschild; loving friend Andrew Curry; godmother Jonina McRae (Mrs. John B. McRae of Carp, ON); uncle Albert McKeague (Bill) Warner; her close friends and all the people whose lives she touched. Also remembering Marcy will be her stepfather John Kell and her stepbrother Gordon Kell. It was Marcy's wish to have a Celebration of Life at the Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Ave. It will be held on Tuesday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service for the family only at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Haufschild, Dean Fetterly, Andrew Curry, Harvey Warner, Albert Kley (Spruce Meadows, Calgary, AB) and Rick Payne. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marcy Schweizer Memorial Equitation Fund, in care of Stefanson Lee, 200B-1485 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 0W4. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2005