(Formerly Phaneuf ~ née Dornez)
Our Mum passed away peacefully on May 14, 2019, after 90 years of life well lived, as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie and good friend. Marguerite had an artist’s spirit, a charming smile and a quick and easy laugh. She had a passion for travel, creative expression, roses and the colour blue.
Marguerite was born February 16, 1929 in St. Boniface, Manitoba to Robert and Marie Louise Dornez. She was the youngest of the five Dornez sisters: Agnes, Irma, Albertine (Bert) and Thérèse.
Marguerite married Roy Phaneuf in 1951 and together they lived a wild and exciting life across continents. In their almost 29 years together they lived in many places including Antwerp (Belgium), Brandon, Shilo and Winnipeg. Their last years were spent in more serene activities such as camping and enjoying quality fellowship time.
Marguerite enjoyed a vibrant working life outside of the home. Her various secretarial positions were often in the medical field. In later years she preferred the quieter role of dictaphone typist. She retired from St. Boniface Hospital in 1984.
She loved to sing and dance and was active as a soloist in the Shilo church choir. She volunteered countless hours organizing bazaars and performing in musical productions put on by the women’s auxiliary.
She had many hobbies and was always busy crafting knitting, sewing and crochet projects. There are many people in her friends and family circle who received a hand-made item from her.
After Roy’s death in 1980 she was lucky to find love again, and married Art Dupuis in 1988. In their 16 years together, Marguerite and Art enjoyed an active lifestyle of singing, dancing, camping, and winter trips to Arizona, Texas, California and her favourite, Hawaii.
Her children and grandchildren cherish memories of her as a loving and understanding matriarch who provided unwavering emotional, physical and spiritual support. Her sense of humour, unfailing love, generous spirit and non-judgemental attitude will continue to sustain them throughout their lives.
She modeled a life of humanitarian charity, always having a sponsored child somewhere in the world. One of her favourite charities was Covenant House, providing housing and supportive services to youth facing homelessness.
Marguerite will be lovingly remembered by her children Louise Rowlands and Bryan Phaneuf (Kim); grandchildren Carmen Paul (Rob), Monica Phaneuf, Brett Phaneuf, Trevor Phaneuf and great grandchildren, Sophie, Layla and Zander as well as numerous nephews and nieces (many who knew her as Tante Guiguite). She also leaves children of Art Dupuis – her step-children: Rheal Dupuis (Carole), Gisele (Jean Valmont), Charlotte Kuban, Rachel Whitehouse, Michele (John Seamchuk).
She was predeceased by her two husbands Roy Phaneuf and Art Dupuis, parents, 3 sisters: Agnes Desmarais, Irma Klumpner (Menu) and Bert Coyne (Mirka) and her son-in-law Ray Rowlands.
Our family expresses sincere gratitude to all of the caregivers who have attended our mum over the last several years. Special thanks to the devoted staff at ActionMarguerite – Foyer Valade (Unite Marguerite) for their care and compassion during her final days.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2:00 pm May 28, 2019 at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery. Hwy #1 East at Navin Road, Winnipeg, MB
All are welcome to attend. Some may choose to wear blue as a token of remembrance. Those wishing to share memories are invited to speak at the celebration. Others may prefer to reminisce in writing for inclusion in her “A Life Remembered Book”. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Covenant House.
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