MARION WEBSTER

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MARION WEBSTER Peacefully with love surrounding her, Marion Webster passed away Saturday, June 9, 2012 in Winnipeg. She was born July 31, 1921 in Toronto and was the eldest of the three Reid sisters. Her sisters Beverley and Norma all were close and loved each other's families very much. Marion had gorgeous red hair, which matched her fiery personality; I'm sure her sisters would agree! Marion's hair quickly caught the eye of a young police officer, Jack Webster. Marion and Jack fell in love and married in October 1947 and they lived happily together until Jack's passing in 2002. They loved their daughter Rosemary (Vodrey), welcomed lovingly her husband Mitch and cherished their three grandsons, Drew, Chris and Matt. Gran, as we called her, lived in Toronto and spent her time there preparing for her next Winnipeg visit with her grandsons. She would hand knit sweaters for them (all sizes), brush up on card games, pre-learn board games and plan fun activities for them to do together. Although Gran couldn't always be with her boys while living in Toronto, she would always send her signature gifts, like the ever famous Laura Secord Easter eggs. When she arrived in Winnipeg the boys always knew she would bring presents and goodies and Grampa Jack would tease I think we forgot the gifts in Toronto! Marion loved being active. She golfed at Markland Woods and played bridge with her friends. She did remain extremely active surrounded by three grandsons and while in Winnipeg, Gran would be up doing her exercises before the boys could roar through her bedroom door to wake her up. She was always preparing to keep up with her boys, walking up and down stairs to the dock at the cottage, swimming, walking the dogs in all kinds of weather, riding bikes and rallying Grampa Jack for trips to Bernstein's for corned beef sandwiches (extra mustard) so her boys would not go hungry. Gran and Grampa never missed a hockey game, soccer game, regatta, swimming lesson or cub car rally. She would fly to Winnipeg at the drop of a hat when she was needed. She loved her family very much. That love was equally returned. Marion's grandsons were very loving and protective of her and she knew she was always safe with them. On one occasion, during the Grey Cup Celebrations in Winnipeg, the boys picked Gran up at the airport and she insisted on going to Boston Pizza where the boys helped her onto her bar stool to enjoy a glass of wine amongst all the fans; it was where she wanted to be, in the middle of the action with her boys. Gran beamed with love and excitement welcoming her lovely granddaughters-in-law, Monique (Drew) and Marta (Chris). She loved them and they were consumed by her Gran-affection . Both Monique and Marta loved seeing the boys keep up with Gran in endless scrabble games and listening to her stories of her beloved Jackie . Marion's roles expanded when she became a G-G and instantly fell in love with her three great-grandchildren: Teagan and Imogen (Monique and Drew) and Mason (Marta and Chris). She was so happy to know that the sweaters she hand-knitted for her grandsons were worn home from the hospital by her great-grandchildren. Marion has lived a full life. Her roles as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother kept her love roaring until her passing. Gran will be remembered forever for her endless love and bursting, fun personality. She really was the life of the party and made sure she enjoyed every single minute. Perhaps Grampa Jack left us before Gran only to get a little rest before she showed up....well Jackie, put on your fedora because Gran is ready to hit the dance floor with you up there! We love you so much Mom, Gran, G-G and sister! Say hi to everyone! Family gathering and interment in Toronto. Should you wish to remember Marion, donations to Misericordia Place (who were so kind to her) through the Misericordia Foundation or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 12, 2012