Marie Marks

Marie Marks, age 81, passed away on December 6th, after her battle with dementia and Lyme Disease came to an end. Marie passed away in the Lake of the Woods District Hospital surrounded by her family.

She will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, and sister. Marie will be mourned by her husband, Lyndal, and their children Edward (Carrie), Oliver (Katherine), Stewart (Connie), and Adam (Theresa). As well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren: Lauren (Connor) and her children Amile and Noah; Jonathan; Eden (Raylee) and their children Sawyer and Adley; Elisha; and Abigail (Anthony) and their children Emryn, Kaan, Francis, and Stryder. Andrew (Chelsea), Sarah Jane (Brandon), and Benjamin. Amie and her children Kimber, Evelyn, and Sloan; Stephanie (Jeff) and their children Brayden, Jace, Paxton, and Taryn; Janie (Cole) and their children Elizabeth and Bennett; Kirstie (Neil) and their child, Leona. Jackson, Jacob (Amanda), Hanna and her children, Simone and Geovani. Marie will also be remembered by her siblings, Alfred (Felicia), Jerry (Jane), Alen (Lisa), Julie (John), Lori (Andy) and best friend Debbie (Ron). And not to mention her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her friends.

Marie was born March 7th, 1944, in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario to her parents Edward and Patricia. She spent her childhood, playing with her brothers and the neighborhood kids, biking, fishing with her dad, and enjoying many family outings. She enjoyed playing baseball and basketball as a child and her love for being active transitioned into cross country skiing, snorkeling, and wind surfing in her adult years.

In 1960, Marie was visiting her grandmother, was sent across the road to the Marks’ to buy a couple chickens, where, unbeknownst to her, she met the love of her life, Lyndal Marks. Marie and Lyndal were engaged June 1st, 1961 and married November 25th, 1961. They spent 64 years married and had countless adventures. Moving around many times until they eventually settled at Highwind Lake. They started out their married life in Winnipeg and quickly moved to the farm in Arnes. Shortly after that they moved to Selkirk and then bought a farm near Arnes in 1967. Marie was a city girl who picked up farming quickly, having a thousand hens, a hundred roosters, a cow to milk, and four wild sons to take care of with her husband. Their time in Arnes was significant for Marie. She spent years living close by and learning from her mother-in-law, Marjorie and father-in-law, Edward who set an amazing standard of love in our family, which was passed down by Marie to her children and grandchildren.

Marie and her family moved to Luther Village in 1974, but on Mother's Day of ‘76, the house they had just built was burned down in a forest fire. This moment was a catalyst, giving them the opportunity to purchase land just down the highway, on Highwind Lake. Marie and Lyndal made a wonderful life for themselves and their family in one of the most beautiful places on earth. She loved her life on the Lake and instilled in her grandchildren a passion for the outdoors; teaching them about flora and fauna, snorkeling, and made every adventure exciting and memorable.

Eventually, Marie and her husband became snowbirds, closing up the camp and their home for the winter and chasing the sun all the way to Arizona. Marie developed many friendships in Arizona, a love for the new plants and animals of the area, and was able to give back to the community with a group of women who had a passion and a talent for sewing; where they sewed many different items for people battling cancer.

Marie's ability to care for her family wasn't just in her affinity for cooking and baking, or planning fun events for everyone, but it was in her dedication to prayer. Marie took her prayer life seriously, she prayed for her family, her friends, and just like Jesus taught us, Marie prayed for those who may have been causing more trouble than good. Her faith was one of the most important parts of her life, centering her family around the teachings of Jesus and modelling what it is to be a follower of Christ to everyone around her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's or Lyme Research.

Finally, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the second floor of LOTW District Hospital for their care and compassion to Marie.