MARIANNE GERMAIN PERRY (nee RICHARD)
December 11, 1914 - August 31, 2012
Her journey is over. A bright light in our lives has gone out. With great sadness and pride we write the obituary of our mother and grandmother, Marianne. Mom was born in Shell River, Saskatchewan to Dilima (Drolet) and Hildovert Richard. She had 13 siblings, four of whom died in infancy. Marianne was the last survivor, and carried her brothers and sisters, whom she loved dearly, in her heart until the end. Mom is remembered by her five children, Joseph (Cathy), Gene (Marthe), Bill/Jim (Jacqui), Ernie (Darlene), and Gloria, as well as 21 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Mom's childhood and teenage years were spent in the lean and rugged environment of a rural Saskatchewan homestead, where her tireless work ethic and immense strength of character developed at an early age. These qualities, along with her endless joie de vivre, would guide and define Marianne for the rest of her long and remarkable life. In 1948 Marianne left a difficult marriage at a time when virtually no supports existed for a woman on her own. With limited education and steadfast determination, she moved to Winnipeg to build a better life for herself and her children. Once establishing herself in her new city, she fought tirelessly to reunite her children and re-establish her family in a stable and loving home. How heroic and difficult it was for her to independently support, nurture and raise her large household is truly inspirational. Mom was an exceptionally gifted seamstress. Having taught herself to sew as a young girl, Mom not only made beautifully tailored shirts for her boys, created snow suits for her children out of old adult coats, and continued to sew beautiful clothing and square-dancing dresses for most of her life, she used these talents to earn a living. She worked at Eaton's in the catalogue building sewing men's shirts, at Jacob and Crowley's sewing coats, and at Gaults where she taught herself to sew draperies. When her summer holidays came around, always the tireless worker, Marianne worked in the dining room of the Marlborough Hotel to keep earning for her family. A fiercely independent woman, Mom liked to share the story of how she applied for an Eaton's card upon her arrival in Winnipeg, and was told it would require her husband's approval. Never one to be easily discouraged, Marianne smiled sweetly, said OK , and went home to forge the necessary signature. She had that card until Eaton's was demolished, she used it often, and as a matter of pride, never once paid a penny of interest. She also bought both of her cars with cash and always kept immaculate records of her finances. In 1950 Marianne purchased her own home, where she raised her five children with no financial assistance from any source. In 1959 she started her own business, Marianne Perry Draperies, building an addition to the back of her home to house her drapery shop. She ran every aspect of her business, from the office paperwork to quoting on all jobs, big or small, sewing the draperies, and with the help of her son Gene, installing draperies and tracks. Over the years, her work could be found in the Winnipeg International Airport, the Bank of Montreal, University of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Clinic, as well as countless Winnipeg homes. With the help of four employees, she also did work for Sears, The Bay and George N. Jackson. A business owner working 16-hour days, a single mother raising five children independently, Mom kept a spotless home, put a hot meal on the table every night, and ironed everything. We awoke on many a Saturday to the smell of Simonize wax on the hardwood floors. She also led a varied and active social life. She was a good sport and loved to dress up on a Saturday night and go dancing. She enjoyed socializing and sought out positive people in her life. As a prominent business owner, she was admired and respected by friends and business associates. At age 54, Marianne learned to drive, and it was one of the things she loved to do most, claiming it was her freedom. At age 59, she enrolled in continuing education at Red River College. Receiving her diploma was one of the proudest moments of her life. For all her hard work ethic and her focus on being a responsible role model for her children, Mom was equally generous, warm and endlessly fun. She loved her children unconditionally, with an immeasurable loyalty and bottomless heart. When Marianne retired from her business in 1987, she sold her house and became one of the original members of the co-op at 360 Osborne Street where she lived for 24 wonderful years. She loved her suite and the all friends she made there. She spent many years wintering in Mesa, Arizona where she golfed and square danced twice a week. Later, Marianne enjoyed a lovely spot by Boundary Creek in Wildwood Park at Winnipeg Beach, which she shared with her daughter Gloria, and grandson Ted and his wife Anna. She absolutely loved to spend an afternoon in the gazebo, napping and watching the creek flowing past. Mom had an endless zest for life, a wonderful twinkle in her eye, was flawlessly photogenic, and always wore a warm smile. She was young at heart up to her last days. She was truly an exceptional woman, before her time. In keeping with Mom's wishes, there will be no Funeral. However, there is a memory stone in her honour at the duck pond at Assiniboine Park. It can be found on the lower level in row 2, brick 17. We would be happy if family and friends would visit and think of her a while, a courageous woman and our loving Mom. We wish to thank Dr. Burke and the staff of Tuxedo Villa for taking good care of our Mom during the last six months of her life. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
No comments:
Post a Comment