MARGUERITE MARIE MERLEVEDE

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MARGUERITE MARIE MERLEVEDE 1920 - 2018 Quietly and peacefully on Monday, October 15, Marguerite passed away at the age of 98 at Concordia Place Personal Care Home which was home to her for the past eight years. She was a practical and independent soul who never failed to clearly and respectfully express her wants and wishes about her care. Marguerite grew up with her parents, Jeanne and Jerome Merlevede, who were immigrants from Belgium and who made a living as market gardeners on leased land in Old Kildonan between north Main and the Red River in the shadow of McBeth House. She had three sister, Alice, Judy and Lillian. She was predeceased by Alice in 1998 and Lillian in 2013, and is survived by sister Judy in Conrad, Montana. Marguerite was a much-loved aunt to her niece Joanne and nephews, Doug, Gord, Rob and David, and their families. Marguerite never married and so was mother to all. Marguerite was always very generous. She took an interest in everyone's lives and was quick to help. She never hesitated to give her opinion. You could always rely on her for good, common sense advice. Marguerite was a proud CNR employee, working in their Telecommunications Office at Portage and Main for her entire career. Her favourite place on earth was the family home of 60 years in St. Boniface where she lived until she was 90. Marguerite was a self described "pack-rat" who never threw anything out, because she was sure there could be some other use for it one day. She was a master of the 3Rs. Not an envelope entered her home that wasn't converted to note paper by tearing off two sides. Paper toilet rolls were used to tighten old loose windows. There would definitely be more trees if there were more Marguerites in the world. Marguerite was the family historian. She loved collecting family photographs and clips of animals, flowers and scenery. She was an avid reader until her eyesight became too poor. Marguerite did not prefer living in a personal care home, but was grateful for the care she received. The family wishes to thank the staff at Concordia Place for caring for Marguerite throughout the years; especially during her final difficult months. Their gentle and respectful care helped to make her final weeks as comfortable as possible. We end with some of Marguerite's frequent sayings: "Don't live too long." "It's time to get out when you can't paddle your own canoe." "One day at a time." "Hope for the best." A memorial service for Marguerite will be held at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, Friday, October 26, at 1:00 p.m. with ash interment to follow at Belgian Sacred Heart Cemetery. Desjardins 204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2018