MARGUERITE MARY THOMSEN

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MARGUERITE MARY THOMSEN (nee De PAPE) October 16, 1917 May 11, 2008 Characteristically optimistic and looking forward to summer, our mother, grandmother, sister and friend, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at the Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, MB at the age of 90 years, beloved wife of the late Fred Thomsen. Since May, 2007 Mom had many health challenges, all of which she embraced with grace and fortitude, looking forward to a better day and to renewed independence. As a young child, Marguerite overcame the effects of polio, her lifelong struggle made for a greatly independent and resilient personality, who took on life and its opportunities with enthusiasm. Marguerite leaves to mourn her passing and to cherish her loving memory, her four children: Richard (Cathy), Thomas (Brenda), Marcia (Lawrence) and Joseph (Patricia); eight grandchildren: Bradley, Daniel, Tara, Erin, Mathieu, Christopher, Ariana and Gabriel; two great-grandchildren: Dylan and Kiana; three sisters: Alma, Clara and Sister Mary; two brothers: Raymond and Gerard and their spouses, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family members of the De Pape and De Roo families. She was predeceased by her husband, Fred in 1993; brothers: Remi, Wilfred, Albert, George, John and Joe and her beloved parents: Charles and Marie. She was also predeceased by Fred's eight brothers and sisters: Kris, Gladys, Olga, Alice, Ella, Roy, Isabelle and Walter. Fred and Gladys in their youth took responsibility for parenting their brothers and sisters due to the early death of their mother. Marguerite was born in Swan Lake, MB in 1917; as a young child she entered boarding school at the Bruxelles Convent. After high school she attended Normal School, largely unknown then for a young woman in southern Manitoba, and returned home to teach in the local one room school, St. Gerard's, where she taught her brothers, sisters and neighbours. This began a long teaching career which also included Knowles School in Winnipeg, Kingsley (one room school grades 1-9) and Swan Lake Elementary School where she was fondly known for many years as the primary teacher. Mom liked to think that she had a positive influence with many young students, who became prominent Manitobans from the Bruxelles/Swan Lake/Kingsley area. Mom loved teaching, spent many hours in preparation and specialized in ensuring that her young students mastered the art of reading (and hopefully literature). Her love of the word was captured in her everyday use of language, in her own writing, creation of cards, poems and paintings. Mom's legacy is left in many forms of written and artistic expression. Marguerite married Frederick Iner Thomsen of the Kingsley district in 1946 and embraced the farm, garden, neighbours in Kingsley and raising her children. Upon leaving the farm in the late 80s, Marguerite and Fred lived in La Riviere prior to their final home in Somerset from where she left to reside in supportive housing in the Residence Despins where she made many friends. After a long period in St. Boniface Hospital, Mom recently made a move to Tache Personal Care Home where she once again quickly made friends. The family is grateful to both staff and residents of Residence Despins and Tache Centre for providing Mom with support and friendship. Marguerite was actively involved in her community at all times, be it church, music festival, hospital bazaar and other community events in Kingsley, Swan Lake, Somerset and most recently at Residence Despins. Mom was a faithful supporter of various missions, particularly to the White Fathers in Africa. Prayers will be said from Residence Despins, 151 Despins Avenue, Winnipeg, MB on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Gabriel Levesque from the Notre Dame de la Nativité Catholic Church, Somerset, MB on Friday, May 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Kingsley Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Marguerite's memory to a Missionary or a Charity of one's choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.budz.ca Budz Funeral Service of Holland, MB in care of the arrangements, 526-2380, 1-866-526-2606.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 2008