MARLA SOMERSALL

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MARLA SOMERSALL

Marla passed away suddenly March 5, 2026 in the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg.

Marla is survived by her two daughters, Noelle Gaiess of Charlettown, PEI and Sonia Gaiess of Toronto, Ontario; her parents, Clare and Beverly Somersall; her brother Darren (Louise) and their son Cody (Aiseosa Imasuen) and daughters, Kate Kelly (Brendan) and Sophie Kelly (Ryland); step-sister Vickie Short; numerous cousins and friends.

Marla grew up in Souris, Manitoba and was involved in curling, figure skating, softball and while at the cottage at Oak Lake she loved to spend time swimming and water skiing. She played clarinet in the school band. She did enjoy cooking especially making pizzas for Darren and the boys in the basement.

Marla’s thoughts were that food and the land are fundamental in bringing people together. She devoted her life to advocating for the most marginalized people in community.

From Souris School, Marla went to University of Manitoba and then to Vancouver to complete her Bachelor of Social Work. She spent five years in Tunisia where she worked to build social enterprise programs for rural communities. She came back to Canada and settled in Brandon, Manitoba where she served the community as the Executive Director of Samaritan House Ministries for some years. It was during this time that she received the Queens Golden Jubilee medal for her selfless devotion in helping others. She spent her lifetime working toward making a difference in the lives of others.

When the girls were finished school, they moved to Prince Edward Island where the girls continued University and Marla served as Executive Director of the PEI Humane Society. Five years later she and Sonia moved back to Winnipeg, Manitoba where Sonia continued University. Marla worked as Executive Director of the Behavioral Health Foundation and after a couple of other similar jobs; she became the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Winnipeg.

Her kindness and compassion were evident, not only in her work but in her everyday living. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Marla’s philosophy was “Never look down on anyone unless you are giving them a hand to get up.”

There will be a “Come and Go” Celebration of Life in the King Edward Room at the Souris Hotel ~ Souris, Manitoba on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In memory of Marla, donations may be made to your local Food Bank.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 18, 2026