Marilynn Ann Lawrence (nee Mernett)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marilynn Ann Lawrence on May 16, 2025 at Portage District General Hospital with her family by her side.

Marilynn was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and wonderful friend to many.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband Edward, son Scott (Leslie) and daughters Patti and Lana and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her much joy. Marilynn was predeceased by her parents Andrew and Helen Mernett, father and mother-in-law Edward and Mary Lawrence, brother Greg Mernett and brother-in-law Lloyd Taplin.

Mom was born June 9, 1942 to Andrew and Helen Mernett. Before her birth her dad was deployed overseas to fight in WWII. She was three years old when she met her father for the first time at Union Station where the Winnipeg Tribune captured the moment and published it in the newspaper.

Mom married the love of her life Edward Henderson Lawrence on May 12, 1962 at Brant Argyle Church in Argyle, Manitoba. Although married for 63 years, their love story started many years earlier when dad was smitten with her red hair and her ability to spell “typewriter” correctly when she was 7 years old. Twelve years later dad sold his flock of sheep to buy her engagement ring and the rest is history.

Mom came from a musical family. All were self-taught musicians. She could sing and play piano like nobody’s business. In her teens and twenties she was sought after to sing at weddings and funerals all over the Rockwood area. As kids we were all required to learn instruments and music was a big part of our lives growing up. Mom also was a piano teacher and taught many kids and adults how to read and play music.

Mom was an avid reader her whole life. She particularly had a love for anything written by L.M. Montgomery. She had a special place in her heart for Anne of Green Gables, because of her red hair. Mom could recite passages from any of those books as she read them dozens of times through her life.

Mom’s love of reading is what made her such a good storyteller. She was a natural. She had the gift of gab and could keep an audience on the edge of their seat when she spoke. Reading also turned into a passion for writing short stories, which she proudly had published in magazines.

Mom worked outside the home once we were all in school. She worked at Crescentview School for almost 20 years as a teacher’s assistant. Very early on the staff and students realized she was somebody pretty special. She helped many students with their reading and took great pride in working alongside many wonderful teachers through the years. She loved her time at CVS but retired in 1999 so she and dad could enjoy retirement together. That didn’t last long. Mom missed the kids and quickly found herself teaching at various Hutterite Colonies in the area. Mom loved her students and made many good friends on the colonies, which she cherished to the very end. When mom came out of retirement one job wasn’t enough. She worked at the Manitoba Developmental Centre where again her love of reading, storytelling and music could be shared with the residents.

Mom also had a love for a good slot machine, casino and scratch lottery ticket. Her and dad took many trips to Las Vegas, Reno, Shooting Star and more recently regular trips to Carberry Sand Hills Casino. Mom enjoyed the thrill of winning, and win she did! It wasn’t uncommon to phone home and dad would answer the phone and tell us mom was “working” at her other part time job … and likely enjoying a cigarette or two while she worked.

Mom and dad had a marriage that was truly special. The life they built together was beautiful. They showed us what love was. What growing old together should look like. We will miss mom terribly but not as much as dad. His “gal” will forever be in his heart.

Mom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Portage General Hospital for their compassionate care during mom’s final days. Special thank you to Dr. Gray and Dr. Tan for going the extra mile with Dad.

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on”.

Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service at Argyle Cemetery will happen at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilynn’s name to the Salvation Army in Portage la Prairie, 220 Duke Avenue, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0S6 or the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 – 5th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8.

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