MARTINUK With great sadness and love, we announce that Marilyn E. Martinuk (nee Gwinn) passed from the loving arms of her family into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 16, 2011. She was predeceased by her parents, Group Captain David and Irene Gwinn. Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her joyful spirit in their lives are her beloved husband, Edward, her devoted children, David (Karen) Martinuk of Humboldt, Cheryl (Barry) Blischak of Calgary and Susan Martinuk of Vancouver, and her loving sister Lana (Jim) Turner and family of Ingersoll, ON. She will also be fondly missed and always remembered by the grandchildren who were a source of great joy and pride to her, Sarah, Jeffrey, Christine, Daniel and Hannah. Even her grandpets, Max and Simba, are left to miss her muffins and futile attempts to discipline, respectively. Marilyn was born in Toronto, attended schools in Toronto and Ottawa, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Kingston in 1954, followed by postgraduate education as a primary specialist. While teaching kindergarten in Toronto, she met Edward, the man who would become the love of her life. They married in St. Hubert, QB, on July 27, 1957, and travelled to Humboldt, SK, to establish a home and family. Marilyn taught kindergarten for years before joining the Humboldt Regional Library as a librarian and, most significantly, the Story Lady. To this day, many remember listening to Marilyn as she brought life and music to children's books. An attempt to fly a kite in the basement of Humboldt's Town Hall will long be remembered in the annals of Humboldt's children's story hour. For 54 years, Marilyn offered her many skills and talents to church and community organizations. She was a long-time board member of the Humboldt Public School and seeming president for life of the Westminster United Church UCW. For over 50 years, she was a member of the church choir. Ever an eye for detail, she served as chairman of the building committees that restored the Humboldt Public School in the 1970's and built the new United Church in 1990. For years, she was a member of the Pastoral Care team that held services at the Villa and an assistant to the adjudicator at the Humboldt Music Festival. More than her deeds and accomplishments, Marilyn will be remembered for her joyful, caring and loving spirit. She had an infinite capacity to love others and touch the hearts of both friends and family with her kind words, respect and encouragement. Words can't begin to convey the joy, hope and laughter that Marilyn passed on with each conversation, big or small. Thank you to Elizabeth, Jackie and Mary, compassionate nurses at Humboldt and District Health Complex, for their care on Marilyn's final day. Thanks also to Dr. Roger Keith of Royal University Hospital and to Dr. Warren Huber of Humboldt. A service to celebrate Marilyn's life was held on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at 3:30 pm at Westminster United Church in Humboldt, SK, officiated by Rev. Brenda Curtis and Rev. Al Hingley. Readers were Cheryl Blischak and David Martinuk; tributes to Marilyn were offered by Susan Martinuk, Lana Turner, Marilyn's grandchildren and United Church Women. Music ministry was provided by pianist Allison Sarauer, organist Tanya Wuchner, soloist Paul Reist, and David, Jeffrey and Karen Martinuk. Honorary pallbearers were Sarah Martinuk, Jim Turner, Joy and Edouard Bedard, Al and Marion Hingley, Loretta Stryjek, Emily Kemp and Joyce Stebbings. Active pallbearers were David, Jeffrey and Christine Martinuk, and Barry, Daniel and Hannah Blischak. Interment followed at Humboldt Public Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Westminster United Church Memorial Fund (re: Marilyn Martinuk) or to the Foster Parents Plan of Canada. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
