Marianna (Marion) Margarett Milne (nee Dennehy) July 16, 1923 - July 17, 2014 Marion will be lovingly remembered by her children, Malcolm (Carol) and their family, James (Jennifer) and their children, Merrick, Braedan; Corey (Fiona), Danielle; Dale (Michele) and their family, Kristopher (Amy) and their children, Abby and Dale; Julie (Nate) and their child, Egan; Duncan (Jane); Dorna (Scott) MacDonald and their family, Blair and Declan; sisters, Helen (Zack) Holizki and Marge Miller; sister in law, Louise Dennehy. She was predeceased by her husband, James; parents, John and Mary Dennehy; brother John; brother in law Elmer Miller. Marion was born in 1923 in Vanguard Saskatchewan and was the oldest of 4 children. Mom grew up in a farming family and learned the value of making the best use of what you had. Having suffered the hard times of the 1930s during her formative years, she most appreciated the positive things from that era for the rest of her life; the community spirit, the sharing and sensitivity to the feelings of those in need, the satisfaction of hard work and the beauty of music and dancing. She graduated high school in Vanguard and went onto teacher's college in Moose Jaw in 1942. Very shortly after that she got a job teaching at a country school outside of North Portal. Her journey to North Portal was by train. There was a nice young man there to meet her and transport her to her boarding place. Her luggage consisted of a trunk, a small bag and a hatbox. The nice young man said he would carry the trunk, but he was not carrying anything as tiny as those other 2 bags. Two years later, she married him. She and Jim had 4 children over the next 20 years. Mom had many talents. Her calling, we are sure, was to be a farmer. She was always interested in the farm - right up until her last days. She was an avid gardener, cook, baker, seamstress, nurse, bookkeeper, tax preparer, chauffer, milk maid, environmentalist, planner, etc. All the things necessary to help run a farm in complement to our Dad. Mom was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Catholic Women's League. She understood the importance of participation in your community. She said the best visiting always happened washing dishes with your neighbour at a community function. Of all her attributes, she is most noted for her hats. She didn't feel properly dressed unless she had on a hat. Her love of baking which she willingly shared the products with whomever stopped in. The family favourites were her doughnuts, shortbread, apple pie and butter tarts. Her baking and cooking skills she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her love and appreciation of culture and all the arts - dance, theatre, art, and music, especially Celtic music. Mom enjoyed the water - she especially loved Lac Pelletier with the family. A life of 91 years - how do you capture that. The love experienced, the adventures, the good times and the less good times, all the relationships. It's all part of her life. She was grateful to each and every person who became a part of her life and for everything that they brought to her experience. She had a long and honorable life of service; giving love in her special way to family, friends and community. And although we all miss her greatly, we know that she is in a better place now and reunited with that nice young man who met her at the railway station those many years ago. We would like to thank the following: Halls Funeral Service - especially Jeff and Shirley; Father Brian Meredith for the blessings, funeral mass and interment service; Doug Third for the prayer service; Laura Baryluk, Martha Holzer, St. John's Choir and Jennifer Buchanan for the music; Knights of Columbus and CWL for your contribution to the mass and the delicious lunch; All the family that took an active role in the services. Mom was very spiritual and it was an important part of her life. Janet Symons and the staff at the Days Inn for the evening reception and assistance to our guests/family. Gene and Margaret Baniulis for the much needed break. All those who sent cards, prayers, flowers, memorial donations, food, phone calls, visits and all the behind the scenes assistance - words cannot express our gratitude. We would also like to acknowledge and thank those for the special care and friendship you bestowed on our Mom while she resided at Midtown Manor, Estevan Regional Nursing home and St. Joseph's Long Term Care. The friendship and support we have received has helped to lift the sorrow we feel. Most sincere "Thank you" to each and every one of you. God Bless Malcolm, Dale, Duncan, Dorna and Families
