Marnel Rae Doerksen – August 20, 1971 – April 13, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Granddaughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend, Marnel Rae on April 13, 2022 at the age of 50 years.
Marnie was born at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and spent her early years growing up in Keewatin. She attended Keewatin Public Elementary School, Lakewood Intermediate and Beaver Brae Secondary School. Marnie graduated from Beaver Brae in 1991. She furthered her education at Lakehead University and Confederation College, graduating with Honors in the Social Services Worker Program in May 1996.
Marnie devoted her professional career to serving children, youth and families at FIREFLY. Marnie held the position of Communication Assistant at FIREFLY from 2003 – 2007. In 2007, and alongside continued professional learning in the field of Social Work, Marnie joined the Child and Youth Mental Health Team at FIREFLY and continued in her role of Counsellor from 2007 to 2020.
Marnie was the proud mother of Kyle (Miranda), Samantha and Shayne. Also left to cherish her memory is her mother, Norma, brothers Brad (Lisa), Michael (Charity) Grandmother, Alice Wiebe and Aunts, Uncles and numerous cousins from her large extended family.
Auntie Marnie will also be sadly missed by nieces Allie (Justin), Mykala (Blair), nephew Owen (Emily) and her beloved grandchildren, Ella and Tyler.
Marnie is predeceased by her father, Garth, Grandparents, Abe and Muriel Doerksen and Jake Wiebe and one of her best childhood friends, Arlene Habkirk.
Marnie’s passion and giving spirit centered on her family. The amount of love she had for her children was immeasurable. Nothing brought more happiness to her heart than visits from her grandchildren, Ella and Tyler. She always looked forward to those play dates and gave her unconditional love and devoted attention to them.
Marnie spent her entire life in Keewatin and was fondly known to all as a true “Keewatin-ite”. As a teenager, Marnie was an accomplished athlete. She was a force to be reckoned with on the ringette ice and also played baseball throughout her youth and into adulthood. Marnie and the “Keewatin Ringette” crew enjoyed many memorable tournament road trips throughout Manitoba and as far as Edmonton.
Marnie was one of the “founding” members of the Ladies Slo-pitch Team – Neniska Crushers. Marnie ruled the pitching mound and could be counted on to steal a base or two, and always contributed to the tally of winning runs.
Marnie was the life of the party at any gathering. Her smile, infectious laugh, and complete focus on ensuring all those around her were happy and enjoying themselves has provided us with many treasured memories and moments to remember.
During this incredibly difficult time, we remember Marnie’s giving spirit and what her daughter, Samantha, has said was her mother’s mission in life. “My mom always put the care and well-being of others before herself. She was selfless, humble, and giving. My mom was at her happiest, when those she cared about were happy, smiling and having a good time.”
Marnie has been taken from us far too soon. We will remember her beautiful smile, her giving spirit, her gentleness and the courage and bravery she showed during times of incredible adversity.
Rest easy sweet Marnie. We are going to miss you so very much.
A Celebration of Life for Marnie will take place on Saturday, May 14th at 1:00 pm at the Minis Hall.
At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the FIREFLY Foundation in memory of Marnie, would be welcomed.