Obituary of MARILYN CAROLE BRYANT

Marilyn Carole Bryant (nee Wirtz)

November 26, 1940 – January 30, 2024

Peacefully, with her family by her side, Marilyn passed away on January 30^th.

Marilyn leaves to mourn sister Irene and brother Wesley (Elaine). Her husband of 61 years Gordon, her three daughters Cheryl, Stacey (Brad), Shawna (Armando) and honorary daughter Kirsten (Gerry). Grandchildren Jade (Colin), Noah (Stormy), Parker, Kali and honorary grandchildren Devin (Ashley) and Quinn (Ashley). Great Grandchildren Kaylin, Eli, Layla, Grayson and honorary great granddaughter Lynden. Brothers in law Tom (Eileen), Melvin (Angele), Melvin (Angela), sister in law Joyce and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her older sister Ada.

Born to Helga and Wade Wirtz, Marilyn lived her first 19 years in Wadena, Saskatchewan on the Wirtz/Weber farm. In grade 12 she met her future husband Gordon Bryant, a young man working with the telephone systems. Because shortly after their meeting Gordon was transferred to Halifax they did not end up dating while in Wadena.

After high school Marilyn moved to Winnipeg to pursue her nursing degree at the St. Boniface School of Nursing where she trained and lived with the nuns. By this time Gordon was living back in Winnipeg where they reconnected and started their life together.

Marilyn and Gordon were married December 22, 1962. Shortly after, Marilyn graduated from nursing school in 1963. Over the next several years Marilyn and Gordon would move over 25 times to various places throughout Canada, finally settling in Winnipeg in 1970. During those frenzied years of moving constantly they welcomed their first two daughters Cheryl on May 5, 1964 and Stacey on December 30, 1965, both born in Edmonton. Their youngest daughter Shawna did not arrive until nearly 10 years later on September 28, 1974.

Over the years Marilyn and Gordon enjoyed many summers at the family cabin at Falcon Lake, especially when Cheryl, Stacey and Shawna were young. To this day the three sisters continue to enjoy summers at the lake together with their own families and friends. Marilyn was able to enjoy one last visit to the cabin, attending the annual block party on September long weekend of 2023.

As an avid gardener and member of the West Kildonan Horticultural Society one of Marilyn’s favorite pastimes was tending to her flowers and plants. The varied colors made the back yard of their home feel like a hidden oasis in the summertime.

Marilyn liked to talk. A lot. At social functions she would take the time to say hello to everyone in attendance. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, and as a nurse for many years often had a word of medical advice to offer.

The family would like to extend its thanks to the numerous health care staff that has given Marilyn care for the last 20 years.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Vasculitis Foundation Canada (vasculitis.ca) – Giant Cell Arteritis

A celebration of life will be held April 27, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St.