Marguerite Isobel Cory (Slimmon) of Wawanesa died as she lived on Monday November 5, 2018 - with grace, strength, humour and gratitude, surrounded by family after 81 trips around the sun. A life well lived - with purpose, thoughtfulness and in service to others.
She was born on the family farmstead in Oak Lake, MB, on October 1, 1937, the first daughter of Donald and Jessie Slimmon. The family followed Don's career to Brandon, Neepawa and eventually Winnipeg. She attended Kelvin High School and recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of her graduation from the St. Boniface School of Nursing. She started her nursing career in Wawanesa where she met Gene Cory, a handsome baseball playing, curling farmer. They married in 1960 and spent the ensuing 58 years building a family, a farming business and contributing to their community.
Dedicated to community service, Marguerite was a visionary and a builder. She spearheaded the development of the Sipiweske Museum and became its curator. She believed strongly in community - of what can be accomplished when people come together for common purpose. She was instrumental in the building of the new United Church in Wawanesa and the Millennium Park, and having a provincial heritage marker placed at the site of the church where Nellie McClung was married.
She was honoured for her volunteerism with a Queens Golden Jubilee Medal and the Lieutenant Governor's award.
She believed in the difference small everyday kindness could make. She lived a life of purpose, integrity and great humanity. She had an open and giving heart. She saw the good in everyone and judged only by the strength of a person's character and what they held in their heart. All of those in her orbit are profoundly grateful for the great gift that she was.
Predeceased by her parents, she is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Gene, her children Shelly (Paul McKinstry) of Winnipeg, Shaun (Michele) of Wawanesa; grandchildren Jeremy Connor and Aidan; sisters Dawna Rumble & Joy (Michael Phelps) of Vancouver B.C., Lillian (Don McRae) of Perham MN; treasured nieces and nephews; her beloved Aunt Ina Slimmon and special friends Bob and Mattie Abell, Paul, Bruce, Nicholas and Alistair.
The family is grateful to Dr. Heschler, the Home Care program, the ALS Society, the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities and to community and friends for their support and many kindnesses.
A Celebration of Life service will take place Thursday November 8 at 2:00pm at the Wawanesa United Church with Reverend Harvey Hurren officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marguerite's memory to The Wawanesa Community Foundation, Box 89, Wawanesa MB R0K 2G0.
Service Information
Thursday, November 8th, 2018 2:00pm, Wawanesa United Church
Interment Details
Wawanesa Cemetery