It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that after a lengthy hospital stay, we announce the passing of Marilyn McPherson, with her daughter by her side, at Saint Boniface Hospital on Thursday Feb 4, 2021.  Mom Was predeceased by husband/Ex-husband of many years Fred McPherson, her parents Norman and Jean Vandal, her sisters Geraldine, Wanda, Crystal, Lorraine and brother Wayne. Left to morn her passing and cherish her memory is her children Marcie Thomson (Ken), Mike McPherson (Sabrina) and Jamie McPherson, her numerous grandchildren, her Brothers Ed Vandal (Eileen), Lawrence Vandal, and Ron Vandal as well as sister Heather Berthelette (Jack), and numerous nieces and nephews.

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I wanted to say a special thank-you to a couple of people that were especially kind to me (and mom) while my mother was in the hospital (I apologize I do not know some of your names). Dr. Peters and the nurses working with you that day, thank you for trying so hard;  Dr. Z. thankyou for being so compassionate and kind and honest; the nurse that stayed with me and my mom even after her shift to be with my mom and I when mom passed, I want you to know that I am glad you were the nurse that was with my mom on her last day and you brought her and I both great comfort; that special nurse who helped me advocate for my mom (you had said you thought I would only remember certain things) well you are the one person who sticks out the most in my mind! Thank you for so much for everything from the bottom of my heart.  You are what all nurses should aspire to be.

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In Keeping with Marilyn’s wishes, Cremation has taken place with Burial and a Celebration of Life taking place at a later date.

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-Written By Marcie

 

My mom Marilyn was one of the strongest women I know. I didn’t realize until recently just how strong she was.    I had told her at one point when she was going into her second surgery to fight like hell and that I wanted her to be unbreakable like my tattoo which I showed her.   Well she did just that. She fought one of the biggest fights of her life. I came to realize in the time after that moment exactly where I received my strength, courage and stubbornness from. My mom.

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She has always had to be as strong as she could be in one way or another her entire life, and most importantly, in order to fight her mental health issues. She did her best to keep on top of her mental health issues but at times it was very difficult for her. She did try her best though. I know that now.  I am thankful my mom is at peace and doesn’t have to fight this demon anymore.

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When I received my mom’s things from the hospital one of the items, she had brought with her to the hospital was a photo album we had made for her one year for Christmas. Inside of it she had added a few pictures to bring with her (the first time she met her Vandal family again, a letter her granddaughter Kaitlin had written her, as well as a couple of other treasures and pictures). It felt good to know that she had that album with her at the hospital.

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I picked the songs I did because while I was with my mom at the hospital I sang to her and the song by Johnny Reid, Darling was one that she and I both liked, and I sang to her the most. Amazing Grace by Anne Murray was the song that my grandma used to love, and my Grandma was one person my mom loved and looked up to the most. It gives me comfort to know that they are together now.

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I am truly sorry if I missed anyone in mentioning family and please leave any pictures or stories about my mom that you have.

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Many thanks for the years you gave us,

And for all the times we shared,

We only pray that when you left us,

You knew how much we cared.

 

In tears we saw you sinking,

We watched you fade away,

You suffered much in silence,

You fought so hard to stay.

 

You faced your task with courage,

Your spirit did not bend,

But still you kept on fighting,

Until the very end.

 

God saw you getting tired,

So He put his arms around you,

And whispered, “Come to me”.

 

So when we saw you sleeping

So peaceful, free from pain,

We could not wish you back,

To suffer that again.

 

You didn’t deserve

What you went through

So He took you home to rest,

God’s garden must be beautiful,

For He only takes the best.

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