Marion Margaret Naurocki (nee Schapansky)

Peacefully, with family by her side, Marion Naurocki passed away at the Selkirk Hospital on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the age of 98.

Marion will be lovingly remembered by her son Gary Naurocki (Ruby); daughter Debbie Draward (Glenn); Grandchildren: Chris Naurocki; Mark Marshall (Michelle); Natasha Reske-Naurocki; Alexia Reske-Naurocki (Brenden); Devin Draward (Samantha); Drew Draward (Sheila); Great Grandchildren: Sadie, Maddox, Emily, Nicolas, Isaac, Lewis and Myles. Memories of Marion will also be cherished by her sisters Doris Nelson and Adeline Campbell (Russ); her brother Jack Schapansky and many nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Marion was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Naurocki, son Jim Marshall, son-in-law Dennis Draward, brother Hank Schapansky and sister Patsy Schapansky.

Marion was born August 17, 1926 in Neville, Saskatchewan to Henry and Mary Schapansky. Moves with her parents and siblings took them to Wymark, Saskatchewan and Duffield, Alberta. She also lived and worked in Edmonton and Whitehorse. In 1955, she met Stanley Naurocki and moved to Beausejour. In 1956, they were married and lived on the Naurocki farm in Sebright raising their three children. She worked side by side with Stan helping milk cows, raise chickens and pigs and grow crops. In 1985, mom and dad retired and moved to Beausejour. Mom and dad were married for 46 years until his passing in 2002. In 2008, mom moved to her condo where she remained until her passing. 98 years old and still living on her own, what an amazing full life!

Marion worked as a cook at the Sher-E-Anne and Gateway restaurants in Beausejour and the Elmhurst Golf Club. She also worked for Lucy’s Catering in Beausejour and Ludwick’s Catering out of Oakbank. It wasn’t until she was well into her 80’s that she retired.

During her working years, Marion still had the time to look after the grandchildren while the parents went to work. For this, we were so grateful. She was so loved by the family.

Marion had many loves: her family, gardening, sewing, knitting and cooking. She cherished every moment she spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She encouraged them to learn how to cook and make things with her. Many days she could be seen in her kitchen making perogies, cookies and helping in the assistance of her grandchildren making meals for her, effectively restocking her freezer for next week’s visit. She spent time teaching each of them important life skills rooted in her Mennonite heritage. She was always available to give comfort, support and guidance to them. 

Granny’s home was always open. She always welcomed visitors with coffee and sweet homemade treats, setting the stage for meaningful conversation. Each of her grandchildren remembers sneaking brownies and cookies out of her enormous baking freezer over the course of time, even into adulthood. Her nurturing spirit, combined with her beautiful sense of humor, always made talking with grandma the best medicine for any problem.

Marion’s personality was exuberant, curious, warm and spunky. She was a very clever and resourceful person. She always had ways of finding things out, and getting things done. Her fierce independence was always inspiring. A true matriarch of her family, in every sense of the word.

Marion had special friends whom she’d talk to all the time on the phone. Her and her girlfriends would do all kinds of interesting things together, like make teddy bears out of fur coats, making homemade kahlua, choke cherry wine (that she swears she didn’t like)... She ran a delicious underground perogie operation for awhile too. Debbie could be seen with her cooler on wheels taking many dozen of sold perogies to the Legislative Building in Winnipeg.

As per mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family celebration will take place at a later date. 

Marion’s family would like to thank her homecare angels, Dr. Partyka for his compassionate care, and the staff at the Selkirk Emergency Hospital.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die”.

If friends so desire, donations in Marion’s memory can be made to the Interlake-Eastern Health Foundation for the Beausejour Home Care Office. Please contact their website at https://www.iehf.ca/ or by calling 204-485-5139. 

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com