Peacefully, while holding her daughter’s hand, Marion Sparrow-Oakes, 83, passed away at home in Naples, Florida.

 

Mom was predeceased by her mother and father, first husband William Sparrow and second husband Victor Oakes, as well as her brother Donald.

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Mom is lovingly remembered by her son Bill (Karen), daughter Jan (Kevin); her beloved grandchildren, Jayden and Ashlyn; sister Margaret, sister-in-law Eileen; and many nieces and nephews.

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Mom grew up in Winnipeg and worked at Winnipeg Hydro until her children came along.  She chose to stay at home with us until the entrepreneurial bug hit her in the 80s and she and her two best friends, Gail and Carolyn,  decided to open a Tuxedo gift shop called ‘The First Place’. Anyone frequenting this iconic gift shop knew to ask about the ‘under the counter’ cards.  These ladies were way ahead of their time!

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All who knew Mom will remember a wonderful, positive, beautiful lady whose smile could light up a room.  She loved her summers at the cottage at Lake of the Woods and spring trips to Florida with her family.  After Dad passed away, Mom took to travelling with her friends.  Cruises were a must and it was aboard one of these ships that she met her second husband Victor. For those who ever say that they don’t want to be the ‘third wheel’, do it.  You will  never know what you might miss.  Victor was the ‘third wheel’ on that trip as he had also recently lost his wife. He was on the trip with another couple who were trying to cheer him up.  Widow met widower and the rest is history.  They were able to spend almost twenty-two married years together until Victor’s passing on March 3, 2018. Mom and Vic travelled the world together and divided their time living between Upstate New York and Florida, ultimately deciding to live in Naples full time.

Mom belonged to the Moorings Country Club, where she golfed regularly and made many friends who will miss her greatly. Mom and Vic were also so fortunate to have so many friends in their building.

 

Her Savoy family will miss her greatly. Mom had such a heart of gold and would have done anything for anybody.  Her countless wonderful friends in Canada and Florida are a testament to the kind of person she was. Fiercely independent and incredibly strong, she was still able to smile even as cancer was slowly taking her away. That smile: it was the first thing everyone noticed.  Mom, you were an inspiration to all of us. May you rest in peace and be free of all pain. You can stop cleaning the entire house before your cleaning service comes over now.

The family is especially grateful for the compassionate care of her special nurse, Marie, and her awesome team. It was Mom’s wish to remain at home and it would not have happened without you. We also wish to thank Avow Hospice, especially nurses Greta and DeeDee.

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Cremation has been entrusted to the Beachwood Cremation Society, 4444 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, Florida, and Integrity Death Care, 50 Princess St., Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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A private family service wil be held in Winnipeg later this summer.