1940 ~ 2014
With profound love and sadness, the children of Marilyn Evelyn Berry, while at her side, said goodbye as she suddenly and peacefully succumbed to her lifelong disease, Scleroderma at Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, MB on May 29, 2014.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Patricia (Rod), Michael (Wendy), Stephen (Nancy); grandchildren David (Stacey), Kyle (Kristen), Brittany, Ryan (Ashley), Amanda (Kurtis), Todd (Angie), Diane (Laurie), Brent; great grandchildren Jackson Litwin, Taylor, Brooklyn, Jackson Tomchak, Hailey, Jase Podolsky; son-in-law David Litwin; mother-in-law Doris Berry; sisters–in-law Nicole Ellies, and Eva (John) Stermscheg; nieces Debra, Jennifer, Cindy, Tanja, and their families; nephew Derek, and numerous cousins and friends.
Mom is predeceased by her loving husband of 48 years Michael, her parents Abraham & Evelyn Ellies, brother Brian Ellies, father-in-law John (Jack) Berry, brother-in-law William (Bill) Berry.
Mom was born in Timmins ON, October 13, 1940. Due to her mother’s illness she was raised by her father and attended school at a Catholic Convent. She spent her summers at the family cottages in Pembroke ON where she was introduced through a blind date to our Dad, Michael. They married September 7, 1959 in Pembroke ON., where they had their children. In the spring of 1964, mom and dad moved to Pinawa MB, to begin their new adventure and raise their family.
Mom was very social and grew to have many lifelong friends who were very important to her as family. People described mom as spirited, feisty, a special woman. She left an impression on everyone she met.
Mom lived her life with purpose; she was extremely independent and curious. Mom loved to travel and was fortunate to visit many parts of the world with dad including French Riviera, Hong Kong, the Middle East, Asia, several Mexico destinations, and Florida, in addition to their annual month in Hawaii for 20 years and frequent visits to Toronto and Pembroke where she would unwind with her favorite cousins. Following Dad’s passing, mom continued with her passion of travel, returning to Hawaii, Mexico, Pembroke, Toronto and just returning from her life long dream trip to Israel and Bethlehem, where she learned more of her Arab ancestry.
Mom was extremely creative and had vast artistic talents. With a great deal of love she knitted sweaters, sewed clothing, embroidered linens, made needle point pictures, and crocheted numerous items. But she found her greatest sense of pride and achievement in quilting. Mom worked endlessly ensuring each of her children and grandchildren had the perfect quilt.
The whole world opened for mom as technology grew. She quickly adapted and explored our family history completing four family trees reaching out more than ten generations and connecting with many new relatives around the world.
We wish to extend our appreciation and thanks to Dr. Homik, Lung Specialist and Dr. J. Strumpher and the staff of ICU, Concordia Hospital for their care and compassion.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Alliance Church in Pinawa, MB.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Scleroderma Society of Manitoba at http://www.sclerodermamanitoba.com/
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS. WE LOVE AND MISS YOU
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Lillis O'Brien
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Marilyn’s death. We had made plans, as usual, to spend time together when she made her annual trip to Pembroke in August. I will miss her visits, phone calls, cards and words of encouragement.
My sympathies and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. May God give you comfort and peace. I hope we will be able to keep in touch.
God Bless!
Love,
Lillis O’Brien and family
Darrell Blaclk
Dear Patricia, Michael, Stephen and families;
What a nice story of your mom’s life. I am so happy that I was part of it and that I shared many happy times with your mom and dad, and with you.
From Timmins to Pembroke and beyond, our families have always shared a very special bond. As a child, I counted the days to your arrival in town. As an adult, I always looked forward to seeing Marilyn on her trips our east. No matter how much time had passed, it always seemed like yesterday that we last spoke.
Your mom always treated me with kindness and generosity, even if was not warranted. For that reason, Marilyn will always have a special place in my heart.
It’s hard to believe that she is gone, but her memory will live on.
Darrell and Debbie Black
Cary and Barry Hamilton
Our condolences go out to you all.We can’t imagine how sad you are at this time. Marilyn was such a wonderfully kind and fun person. We so enjoyed our strolls and bike rides in Pinawa when we’d often stop and chat with her. She was always a joy to be around. Pinawa will not be quite the same without her. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. Barry and Cary Hamilton
Isabel & Ron Summers
Our condolences go out to all of the family of Marilyn. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Terry & Shirley Hampel
Patricia, Michael, Stephen & family
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom. She was a great person and we had many good visits with her and your Dad when they were visiting here in Pembroke. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Your mom left us all with very good and life long memories.
Sheila & Charles Parmelee
Marlyn:
I will miss you my dearfriend. We became like Sisters, criticizing and supporting each other. What will I ever do without you!!
I’ll always love and cherish you. But I know we’ll see each other again in a better place (where there is no smoking)
Mel Ellies
My sincere condolences to the entire family.