Marilyn Evelyn Berry

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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