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MARIE ELLEN RAJOTTE (DEGAGNE) (KEILLOR) Obituary pic

MARIE ELLEN RAJOTTE (DEGAGNE) (KEILLOR)

Born: Aug 10, 1945

Date of Passing: Jul 16, 2020

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MARIE ELLEN RAJOTTE
(DEGAGNE) (KEILLOR)

It is with bitter sorrow that we announce the passing of Marie Ellen Rajotte (Nani) after a long, brave battle with terminal pancreatic cancer. On Thursday, July 16, 2020, at the age of 74, Marie passed peacefully at home, her final wish granted. For the past three and a half years she has lived and loved life while battling this disease. It was a battle she knew she couldn't win, but fought until the end to stay with us as long as she could.
Cherished wife of George Rajotte, loving mother to Rick Degagne, daughter-in-law Dawn, precious grandchildren, Garret and Marissa Degagne; stepchildren, Paul Rajotte; Marc Rajotte, partner Shannon and family; Monique Rajotte, husband Norman Simm, and precious grandchildren, George and Henri Simm; brother David Keillor (predeceased), sister-in-law Gayle Keillor, niece Sheena Laurin, husband BJ and nephew Michael Keillor.
Born to Maude (Brookes) and Stan Keillor in Stoke-on-Trent, England on August 10, 1945, Marie arrived in Canada in 1946 aboard the Queen Mary. Eventually settling in St. Boniface, she attended St. Joseph's Academy, and later went on to study at the University of Manitoba. Marie spent 35 successful years working at the Manitoba Health Services Commission where she created many lifelong friendships. A natural caregiver, Marie will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved her as a caring and compassionate person who was always happy to see you. She loved many things in life, spending summers at Falcon Lake, and travelling to her favourite destinations, with Palm Springs and Hawaii at the top of the list. Enjoying the outdoors and taking long walks through Southdale, she was social and took the opportunity to connect with neighbourhood friends. Above all, Marie loved spending time with and doing things for her family and friends; she was always there for us and we all knew it.

"Grief never ends...but it changes.
It is a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness,
not a lack of faith...It is the price of love."

Special thanks to the many caregivers whose care and compassion was a great source of comfort to Marie. Namely, Dr. James Paul, his nurse Nubia, the team at Victoria Hospital CancerCare and the many friends and family whose love and support provided her strength throughout her illness.
To honour Marie's wishes, there will be no formal service. Marie preferred that her life be celebrated as quiet memories in the hearts of those who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, your prayers for Marie's safe journey home would be lovingly appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2020

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

  • Condolences to you all at this sad time. George, so glad to have met up with Marie and yourself last year during our trip, as I had not seen Marie since we were young children. You. Made us feel very welcome and it was an enjoyable night. She certainly was a special, brave lady and I know you will miss her greatly. Take care . Pauline - Posted by: Pauline Johnson (Cousin) on: Jul 31, 2020

  • Monsieur Rajotte et famille . mes sinceres condoleance. Beaucoup de bon souvenirs de voyage avec Marie et Carole ,je pense a vous. - Posted by: Mirlycourtois (Friend) on: Jul 30, 2020

  • Dear Georges. It is with great sadness that I read in the Wpg Free Press the loss of your wife Marie that you cared about so much. Sincere condolences.We know that you were always concerned about her state of health and would have done anything to comfort her. May God bless you in these difficult times and give you the courage to carry on with your life. I always miss your good humour and look forward to seeing you at the first opportunity. Best personal regards. Your friend Maurice Therrien - Posted by: Maurice Therrien (Friend) on: Jul 28, 2020

  • Dear Geroge, Rick and family, so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolence to your family. Our friendship began when Marie offered to car pool to work thirty some years ago. That's the kind of person she was, kind, gentle and caring. Over the years, she became a dear friend, my adviser and confidant. When we met for coffee, it's like time did not matter, we can talk for hours. I will miss her dearly. Rest in peace Marie. 💕💐 - Posted by: Kitty L (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2020

  • Very sad to hear of Marie's passing. I only met on a couple of occasions but our last meeting with Marie and George in England was a very memorable time. I remember a lovely day at a country pub with Uncle Jos, Christine, Karin and Gordon. She made me feel we had been friends forever. Her personality and care shone through. My sincere condolences to George and family. - Posted by: Eric Wood (Cousin) on: Jul 23, 2020

  • I’m so sorry to learn of Marie’s passing. I knew her from Manitoba Health and she was always a friendly lady. My condolences to her family and may she Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Sharon Pospishell (Co worker ) on: Jul 21, 2020

  • I am sad to hear of Marie's passing I knew Marie for many years ,we became friends loved our chats ,and great laughs and there were many, she was a beautiful lady always smiling she will be missed, I will miss her.My heartfelt condolences to George, Rick and family ,❤⚘ - Posted by: Maria (Friend ) on: Jul 20, 2020

  • Our deepest condolences are with your and your family during this most difficult time. We hope you are able to find peace and comfort in the many special memories you have of your mother/grandmother! Hugs to you all during this time 💕 - Posted by: Sandy And Brad Joseph (Friend of Rick and Dawn Degagne) on: Jul 20, 2020

  • George and family, Saddened to learn of Marie's passing. Although we only met once, Marie struck me as a warm and caring person, who enjoyed life, and made life better for those who knew her. Cherish your memories of her, always . Our prayers are with you! - Posted by: Dennis Lavallee (cousin) on: Jul 20, 2020

  • Dear George and Family, so sorry to read of Marie's passing. She was truly a lovely lady, and a pleasure to be around. She will be missed. - Posted by: sherron kelly (friend) on: Jul 20, 2020

  • Cher George: je pense à toi cher ami! Sérénité et courage. - Posted by: Mariette Mulaire (Amie) on: Jul 19, 2020

  • We offer our sincere condolences to you George, and the entire family. Dave and I will miss our dear friend Marie. But, we will cherish the many fun times we shared with you two in Hawaii, Palm Springs, Omaha, and Winnipeg. I will especially miss Marie's laughter! We have peace in knowing that we will again share laughter someday when we are dancing with Marie on the streets of gold. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace". (Numbers 6:24-26) Love, Ann and Dave Hickey, Omaha, NE - Posted by: Dave and Ann Hickey (Friends) on: Jul 18, 2020

  • Dear George and family, Our condolences to you and your family on Marie's passing. - Posted by: Phil Levesque (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2020

  • George and extended family, so sorry for your loss. You both experienced so much together and were strong for each other. Dwell on the wonderful memories you created and shared together. Having known Marie since our teens, she was always so optimistic and encouraging to all of us. Accept my prayers for you and her safe journey home to Maude and David's arms. Be strong, from an old friend, Beverley Bettens and family. - Posted by: Beverley Bettens (Old friend) on: Jul 18, 2020

  • George and family, Colleen and I are saddened to read of Marie’s passing. She demonstrated such courage and love of life and family in her battle against cancer. Marie had a way of making you feel special and cared for. She will always have a joyful place in my heartfelt memories. Fred Kemp - Posted by: Fred Kemp (Family friend) on: Jul 18, 2020

  • I was sad to read of Marie's passing in today's obituary. I knew Marie through working at Manitoba Health and had the pleasure of chats when I ran into her on her morning walks. She was a very upbeat, and gentle person. She will be missed. My condolences to George and her family. - Posted by: Mary Haimes (Debets) (Co-Worker) on: Jul 18, 2020

  • Dear George and family, you are in our heart and thoughts at this very sad time. Every time I had the pleasure of meeting Marie at Falcon Lake or at a family wedding, she was always so friendly and genuinely happy to see you. She was a beautiful soul and will live on in our thoughts, conversations and dreams. The world has truly lost a little bit of its sparkle. - Posted by: Toby & Mary Lynn Desmarais (Family ) on: Jul 18, 2020

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