Mrs. Maryanne Patricia Bracken

On August 6, 2016, Maryanne Bracken, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, "Nanny" and friend died suddenly, but peacefully, at her Minaki cottage.

She was predeceased by her parents, Barney, Kay and Betty Medland.

Maryanne had a happy childhood growing up in a boisterous household with her sisters and brother. Summers at the cottage were always looked forward to with great excitement and anticipation. These wonderful times led to her lifelong love of Minaki.

Maryanne married Doug Bruce in 1971. Daughter Laura and son Michael completed the family. Maryanne was extremely proud of her two children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. Laura and Jason Harvey's children, Kaitlyn and Josh, who arrived years later, became one of the great joys of Maryanne's life. During her late 40s/early 50s, as a single parent, Maryanne went back to university. Graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing degree, she held a respected Community Palliative Care nursing position for many years. She was a lifelong member and supporter of St. George's Anglican Church, Grosvenor and Wilton. Maryanne had many interests and talents. She was a competitive swimmer, enthusiastic hockey player, animal lover, gardener, carpenter, mechanic, bushwhacker, and home renovator. She was, however, not a great chef; her signature dish being grilled cheese sandwiches. Maryanne had a gift and talent for friendships as well as great joie de vivre. She brought sunshine, love and laughter to all who knew her.

In 2007, Maryanne met and fell in love with Richard Bracken. They married on June 2, 2012, and she was warmly embraced by the entire Bracken clan, specifically her stepsons Taylor (Hailey), David (Nikki), Geoff (Ashley and Sloane), and John Bracken (Katie and Leighton). This was one of the happiest times in Maryanne's life. Maryanne will be remembered as a warm, loving, generous woman. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Maryanne's life will be held on Tuesday, August 23 at 3:00 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Winnipeg Humane Society.