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Marion Freda MilnerÊ Marion Freda Wright was born Wednesday, June 29, 1938 at Dauphin, Manitoba, the second child of Verna and Fred Wright. Marion attended school to Grade 10 at Dauphin. She excelled in track and field, a fact her children were often reminded of by Marion when they attempted to run from her. Marion was also active in youth church groups where she met John Milner. They were married in October 1955. Marion obtained her stenographer diploma, and she proceeded to support their young family while John continued his education. Together Marion and John raised four children, moving frequently until they found Cranberry Portage or until Cranberry Portage found them. Although Marion frequently mused of leaving the community, it was here she found her purpose and dreams. Marion worked in many positions including bookkeeping, substitute teacher, tutor for special needs children, store clerk, girls counsellor, owner/operator of the Dari Dip and Ashdown's Camp to name a few. Marion had a huge heart and 'bulldog' tenacity for the issues that she believed in. It was always a good thing to have her as your advocate, and you knew you were in trouble if you found yourself on the opposing team of one of her loved campaigns. Marion never threw anything away that others might consider as broken, whether it was motors, bicycles or teenagers. This tenacity resulted in the inception of the Cranberry Portage Ambulance Service, the single parent program and her lifelong commitment to the youth and single parents that she encountered. Marion strove to increase her knowledge regularly. She was always taking some course or another, or serving in a volunteer capacity on this or that board. Marion achieved her LPN diploma in 1981 and went on to her RN in 1985. She worked in both local hospitals, for Frontier Collegiate and the physician clinic in Cranberry Portage. Her knowledge was often tested by the community as she became the person to call whenever you had a concern about all issues medical. Marion had lately taken to driving the school bus for Frontier Collegiate and often referred to her passengers as 'my kids'. Marion volunteered as UVD committee member, served as a representative of the Mental Health Committee and a board member of the Norman Regional Health Authority. She recently received an appointment to the hearing panel of the provincial committee for The Vulnerable Persons Living With a Mental Disability Act. Unfortunately her illness prevented her from accepting this appointment. Marion loved her home at the lake and her ability to provide a summer retreat for her children and grandchildren. She was very proud of her family. Marion passed away peacefully, Friday, July 12, 2013, at Flin Flon General Hospital, Flin Flon, Manitoba, after a short battle with aggressive cancer, at the age of 75 years. Marion is survived by her children, Jo-Anne Milner (Allan Coats), Janice (Ken) Jenkins, Noreen (Lyndon) Kosmenko, Rene (Lorraine) Milner; mother, Verna Gray; grandchildren, Eric, Lyndon, Abby, Amy, Tina, Kelly, Niki, Lindsay, Nickolas, Adam, Lauryssa, Kaitlyn, Emily, Matthew, Gabriella, Isaiah, Julia, Natalie; great grandchildren, Brett, Lyndon, Denby, Nolan, Morgan, Aspen, Connor, Liam, Emily; brothers, Ken (Dawn) Wright, Reg (Lynne) Gray, Michael Gray; sisters, Joan (John) Ginnell, Muriel Fillion; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves to mourn her special children, Rosalind and Fran. She was predeceased by her father, Fred Wright; stepfather, Fred Gray; and her husband, John Milner. A time of visitation was held prior to the funeral service. The funeral service was held Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Cranberry Portage Elementary School, Cranberry Portage, Manitoba with Gary Wesner presiding. Pianist: Tracy Wheeler-Anderson. Soloist: Natalie Milner. Scripture and Prayer: Bob Hay. Closing Prayer and Benediction: Bill Lothian. Immediately following the service, a time of fellowship and refreshment was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Cranberry Portage. ÊPallbearers were Adam Kosmenko, Nicholas Kosmenko, Lyndon Kosmenko, Ken Jenkins, Lyndon Mayuk, and Matthew Milner. The Milner Family would like to thank everyone for their assistance and support throughout Marion's last days. It was greatly appreciated. Donations to The Single Parents Program was once of Marion's greatest passions. The Cranberry Portage Day Care worked with Marion and played a large part in the success of this program. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Children's Developmental Centre Inc., Box 53, Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, R0B 0H0. Hemauer Funeral Home and Cremations Services, The Pas, Manitoba were in care of arrangements. For online condolences visit www.hemauerfuneralhome.com
