Marilyn Templeton (nee Abbott), age 73, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, September 19, 2017.

 

Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Brian, of 44 years, her children, Trevor (Lisa), Kevin (Lisa), and Kim (Chris), and grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, Tucker, Brady and Eddie and brother, Rick (Linda).

 

Mom grew up in Winnipeg and attended Kelvin High School and United College. After graduation, European travel with close friends, and a brief time living in Toronto, she returned home to Winnipeg where she met the love of her life, Brian. They began their life together and were rarely apart. While they lived mostly in Fort Garry, as well as a brief time in Vancouver, Marilyn’s summers were spent at her beloved cottage in Minaki. From childhood, Minaki was her sanctuary.  It was there, in 1978, that she and Brian embarked on their dream to build and enjoy their own cottage on Pistol Lake. Mom loved the outdoors. Times spent in the canoe, the kayak, and walking or skiing in the woods, were among her favourites. It was there that she found the utmost peace and happiness.  She always said that her arrival at the lake wasn’t official until she heard the calling of resident loons. She made it a priority to pass on this love of the lake to her children and grandchildren. She and Brian saw the world together, enjoyed the company of good friends on many far flung adventures, and returned often to Mom’s favourite winter escape, Bermuda.

 

Marilyn had an endless amount of energy and determination. Being organized and keeping things tidy was a top priority; everything was always in its place, right where it should be! Her hand written calendar entries were both her diary and day timer. She kept close tabs on each member of her family and friends, making a point of maintaining close relationships with everyone. She often tended to the needs of others first, while struggling herself. Her support group provided her with an ongoing source of deep connection, inspiration and gratitude.

 

Marilyn loved to read. She worked in libraries her entire career; a place where she could share her love of books and reading to others. She helped create a book club of which she was a member for many years. She volunteered in the community at the Manitoba Theatre Centre and enumerated for many elections in Fort Garry. She was well informed on current events, and never hesitated to share her opinions on them at the family dinner table.

 

Marilyn felt that she was one of the lucky ones; she lived life to the fullest and had no regrets. Her bright light will continue to shine in all of us.

Thank you to Dr.’s Ian Maxwell, Valerie Gordon and Chris Ogaranko, nurses Eleanor, Dilleen and the rest of the nursing staff, as well as volunteers Mable and others at Victoria General Hospital, Oncology Department who cared for and encouraged Marilyn for 14 years. We’d also like to thank Marilyn’s friends for their love and supported throughout the years.

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A memorial service was held at The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent, at 2:00 P.M. Monday, September 25, 2017.​

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria General Hospital, Oncology Department, or to a charity of your choice.