Marianne Gladys Rose

June 14, 1929 – June 1, 2023

GRATITUDE

I have lived a privileged life having hard working parents, Claude and Mildred Shackell, who worked from early morning to late at night at their corner store in St James, Winnipeg, Manitoba. They made it possible for all three of their children Reg, Marianne and Stanley to attend the University of Manitoba.

My next great gift was my children; Ted (Ingrid), Brent (Anne), Bruce (Linda) and Becki. My husband, Jay, to me, was a great provider and insisted on taking the whole family on IBM trips and holidays. Back then, we visited each province, territory and state. While at home, in Bayview Village, I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbourhood of friends. Local events were plentiful, and our Tuesday afternoon get-togethers (a.k.a. “Stitch and Bitch”), and friendships, lasted almost 50 years. I was blessed to watch 6 tremendous grandchildren grow into fine young adults; Shannon, Cynthia, Donna, Jay, Harrison and Nikki.

Dating back to 1910, driving long distances has been a part of our family heritage. We also thought nothing of packing the kids into the car and driving from Toronto to California, or later, from Toronto to Dawson City and Alaska. I was lucky to make the drive to my 60-year United College (U of M) reunion in 2010, and my last solo 28-hour drive, from Toronto to Jupiter, was in 2015. Travel continued into my 90’s and I was able to travel back to Florida in 2022 and 2023, once the borders had re-opened. Pretty sure I was the oldest person on each flight, and understandably, my car in Jupiter was replaced by many miles of adventuring on an electric scooter.

Thanks to a wonderful life that has kept providing me with unexpected and delightful opportunities, I ended up at a retirement home that exceeded any late-in-life expectations I might have had. How I spent my late 80’s, and early 90’s, with hundreds of new friends, outstanding food, outings, exercise, entertainment, and a view of the ocean, I’ll never comprehend.

Due to wonderful family and friends, we survived the “crash” of 1929, and the Pandemic of 2020. I like to say that “I came in during the Depression and I’m going out during the Pandemic, and I have enjoyed every moment in between!”

I have loved my long and full life, and I have loved the wonderful people in it.

Gratitude is everything – this is what I have discovered.

We will miss her, we will cherish the countless memories, and we will endeavor to live our lives with gratitude.

Enormous hugs, Mom.

We Love You so very, very much!