MARION JANET MICHAUD (SIMPSON)

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MARION JANET MICHAUD (nee SIMPSON) Peacefully, on Monday, April 9, 2012, at the Victoria General Hospital, Marion Janet Michaud passed away at the age of 100 years. Marion was predeceased by her beloved husband of 77 years, Alf, in 2008; son Neil, in 2006; grandson Cole in 1976; brother Richard in 2000, and sister Jacqueline in 2011. Marion is survived by her sister, Marie; daughter, Dayle; nieces, Beverley, Diane (Peter), Cheryl (Pat), Eleanor; grandchildren, Joseph (Christie), Tanya (Scott), Sacha (Viki), Marion (Brent), Laila, Matt (Jen), Andre (Lolly); ten great-grandchildren; great-nieces and great-nephews. Marion's early life was dictated by the seasons, living in remote Malachi, Ontario, where her father, John Banks Simpson raised dogs and horses, and kept a general store and goods and fur-trading business with local Aboriginal people. Marion helped with her younger siblings and with a variety of tasks on the property. Winters were cold and difficult. Summers brought with them cottagers and the promise of renewed friendships and good times on the water and exploring in the natural surroundings. Marion had the land, water, sky and nature of Malachi in her blood, and for her entire life she remained comfortable outdoors, reveling in trees, flowers, insects and animals with an innate understanding and reverence. Marion came to Winnipeg in her late teens and took employment working as domestic help. It was at this time that she met Alf Michaud, and stole his heart. It wasn't hard, because she was quite beautiful. Marion and Alf were married in 1931. In less than two years time they welcomed their son, Neil and later, a daughter, Dayle. Alf was in the Air Force and in 1940 the family was stationed in Fingal, Ontario, where Marion made many friends. After the war ended, the family returned to Winnipeg, where Alf became an aircraft mechanic for Air Canada. In 1960 Marion and Alf were transferred with Air Canada to Montreal, where they lived for 14 years, and made many new friends who became life-long friends. During that time, they enjoyed travelling as often as they could, and together, they saw much of the world. Upon Alf's retirement in 1974 they returned again to Winnipeg. Soon after, to escape the Winnipeg winter, they made a trip to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, which became an annual get-away, one that lasted 17 years. In Florida, Marion and Alf had splendid winters, filled with good times and lots of good friends. There was always a social event to attend, shared meals with friends, and card playing, including Poker and Canasta. Marion loved to walk on the beach, throw breadcrumbs to the gulls, watch the water birds, and take photographs of her surroundings, including gorgeous flowers and foliage, and countless stunning sunsets. On those beach walks she collected all variety of shells and ocean fragments, making lovely, decorative, original and cute crafts with them. Summers always included a lot of time at the family cottage in Malachi, Ontario, where Marion grew up, and in those familiar and comfortable surroundings Marion enjoyed doing day-to-day tasks as well as all the wonderful things that summer days and nights at the lake bring - swimming, sunbathing, boating, game-playing and reading. Marion was an expert and natural paddler, and mentored her grandchildren in the craft. She never refused a canoe-ride, just for a ride, or to go fishing. Naturally active, she enjoyed walking there, and was at ease in the bush, and berry picking was always on the relaxed schedule. The delicious results of those days, her blueberry pies, were just like all of her pies - never without her signature M inscribed and baked in to the top of her golden brown, flaky crusts. In a brand new 55+ condo complex on St. Anne's Road in 1991, Marion and Alf quickly made friends with many of the others moving in at the same time, and although they soon became the oldest couple in their building, they continued to take part in all of the events that went on in the complex, for many years. Poker games, Bridge and shuffleboard tournaments were on the list of things they loved. Marion loved to bake, and watch curling and golf on TV, and for years could tell anybody who was on the top of the tour. In 2006, Marion and Alf celebrated their milestone 75th wedding anniversary in the common room of their building - an extraordinary event attended by family, and those longtime friends not already gone, and many newer friends. After Alf's death in 2008, Marion was on her own for the first time in 77 years. She remained in their condo until 2009, when it was determined she would benefit from assisted living at age 97. She moved to The Waverley where, like all her life, she made friends quickly, and immediately established herself as the Bridge partner everybody wanted, and a champion table-curler. She moved one last time, in early 2010, to the Seine River Retirement Residence , in St. Vital, very close to where she and Alf had lived for so long. She loved it there, and again, she made friends, and continued to play Bridge as often as possible. In January 2012, Marion celebrated her 100th birthday with a party for family and friends, complete with a letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at the Seine River residence. She loved telling people she was 100, and deserved the attention her age garnered because she was a remarkable 100 year-old. Although her hearing had diminished, her overall health was good for her age and she continued to have a terrific sense of humour. Marion was an ordinary woman who had an extraordinary life. She was kind and generous and loving. She enjoyed knitting, reading and baking, and loved flowers, plants and animals. She had a long and successful partnership with Alf, and together they learned a lot about living. They had their share of rough times, but a lot of good times. She had a great, easy attitude, and was a pleasure to be around. She is missed with heartfelt sadness, and lovingly remembered as a thoughtful, dedicated friend, loving and supportive mother, favourite aunt, spectacular grandmother and amazing great-grandmother. Memorial service for Marion will take place on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, what would have been her son's 80th birthday. With The Reverend Bob Webster officiating, the service will take place at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Boulevard, at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marion's memory to a charity of your choice. Safe journey, dear Marion. We love you. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 19, 2012