Marjorie Ellen James

We are sad to announce the peaceful passing of Marjorie Ellen James at her residence on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Marge was born September 12, 1946 in Killarney, Manitoba and grew up in the village of Ninga and attended Boissevain School.

Marge met her husband Lew and they were married April 9, 1966. Three children followed shortly thereafter - Cherie, Heather & Kevin.

Lew’s work took the young family to Thompson, Manitoba for a short while where Marge drove taxi in the evenings. Returning to Winnipeg in the early 70’s they settled at Pine Ridge Village for a few years then off to 3357 Pembina Highway south of the Perimeter. Shortly after that, the family moved to Marge’s current home in Parc La Salle.

Mom worked various jobs throughout her life - Zellers Restaurant, Gondola Pizza, Mr. Mustard just to name a few. When Lew decided to start his own construction business she was 100% behind this venture, taking accounting & payroll courses and assisting where needed.

Following Lew’s passing in 1989, Marge decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. At the time, the course was offered in Brandon so she packed up a few belongings and went back to school, living in a hotel as well as at her cabin in Killarney. Mom retired from nursing after many years working for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Travel was also important to mom. Vacations to California, Nebraska, Las Vegas, Hawaii & Mexico to name a few. After Lew passed away, mom took a solo trip to Europe - a big adventure that she thoroughly enjoyed. As well as trips to Cuba & a special trip with her girls to Memphis following her retirement.

As a young family we went on many family trips, which included lots of camping. First in a tent and then in our pop up camper. Mom was the only one we know that brought everything to make a potato salad at the camp site vs putting it all together before going. Lots of drive-in movies, packing us all up in our pjs and bringing popcorn and jumping in the station wagon.

Mom had amazing artistic talent. In both words and drawings. A beautiful picture of our grandparents hangs over her fireplace, which reminded us every time we were there of her talent and her love for her parents. Our dad was a huge Elvis fan and she wrote a poem to music about Elvis for our dad after Elvis died. She had a beautiful way with the written word, writing what she could not always say.

Of course mom’s memorial write-up would not be complete without mentioning her love of bingo. She would always give us a call when she won or had had many sweats on the jackpot. She felt like a member of a special community when she attended and was always excited when one of us would go with her.

Marge was predeceased by her husband Lew, her parents, Goldie & Iola; Sisters Eunice, Myrtle, Gwen, Dorothy, brothers Bill, Melvin & Harvey; Special Niece Shirley; son-in-law Brian. She is survived by her children Cheryl (Rick), Heather (Hubert) & Kevin; grandchildren Mandy (Emma), Lindsey (Troy), Cordell (Katie), Sarah (Jesse), Kelsey (Mike); great-grandchildren Elora, Lyra & Parker; brother Larry.

We would also like to express our heartfelt love & gratitude to Aunty Phyllis & family as well as mom’s niece Brenda & her husband Jack for always being available for phone calls & visits with mom. You were all very special to her.

Over the last few years, mom had some health issues that she overcame, which showed us once again her strength, resiliency and fight. We appreciate the care and attention she received over 30+ years from her family physician, Dr. Sheldon Permack as well as his support staff.

Mom/Grandma, we love you and will miss you dearly. We know you are in good hands now that you are with dad, grandma and grandpa.

A private family service will be held at a later date.