Gertrude "Marian" Caister

Peacefully, with her family by her side, Marian passed away at the St. Claude Health Centre on Friday, July 12, 2019 at the age of 80 years.

Marian is survived by her daughters Lesley (Ian) Smith and Shelley (Guy) Hebert, son Brent Caister, granddaughter Amanda (Josh) Lamontagne and grandson Riley (Melissa Rydberg) Hebert.

Besides her immediate family Marian is survived by brother and sister-in-law Les and Donna Caister; sister-in-law Irene Caister, special cousin Tudy and close friends of many years Joan, Mariann, Margaret and Marlene; a large extended family and other friends and sister Pat.

Marian was predeceased by her husband Albert in 2014; parents Gertie and Ray Johnston; father and mother-in-law Joe and Mary Caister; brothers Jim, Bob, Don; sister Cheryl; brothers and sisters-in-law Boris and Audrey Zurkan, Cecil and Ruth Caister, Leonard and Bea Caister, Edwin and Estelle Caister and Allen Caister. Mom felt blessed to have married into and been a part of the close Caister family for many years.

Marian was born on October 30, 1938 in Portage la Prairie.  She married the love and rock in her life, Albert on March 2, 1957 and enjoyed 57 years together.

Growing up we enjoyed the benefits of a stay-at-home mom but she was so much more; a babysitter, foster parent and a dispatcher from our home when dad drove and eventually owned taxis in Portage.  Mom later worked at Vopni Press, Berkleys, both Arthur Meighen and La Verendrye school canteens and as a guard with the Corps of Commissionaires at the local Detachment from which she retired at the age of 72.

She was a great mom but an awesome Mammy to her grandchildren.  From the day Amanda was born they were best friends and by the time Riley arrived she had it mastered.  There was never a dull moment in Mammy and Poppa’s home with those two and they loved it.

No matter who dropped in at any time no one left without being invited in for a coffee (which many times included a piece of her delicious fruit cake) and a lot of times included a meal, all were welcome as the heart of the home was Marian's kitchen.

The family would like to thank everyone at the St. Claude Care Home for the wonderful care and companionship.

In accordance with Marian’s wishes, her family will celebrate her memory privately.

Donations may be made in Marian’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com