Marion (Marie) Joyce Cotton (nee Chapman)

September 30, 1931 to July 30, 2022

 

Peacefully, on Saturday July 30, 2022 at Red River Place Personal Care Home, Marie Cotton passed away at the age of 90.

Marie was predeceased by her husband Stuart, her son Andy (Trish), her brother Ivan (Beryl), her grandson Jeffery, and her son-in-law Neil.  Marie is survived by her children Carol, Diane (Craig), Bruce (Dawn), and Ann Marie (Phil), ten grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  She also leaves to mourn her sister Deanna Harris (Brian) and many nieces and nephews in England and Canada.

Marie was born in Bodmin, Cornwall England, where she met the love of her life Stuart Cotton.  Stuart sailed to Canada in 1951 to pursue his dream of owning his own farm, with the intention of having Marie join him as soon as he was settled.  Marie followed him a year later, leaving her family in England and sailing to Canada on the S. S. Atlantic. Marie and Stuart were married on May 3, 1952. 

Marie and Stuart lived and worked on farms in Ontario and Saskatchewan, growing their family over the years.  They eventually settled in Manitoba.  In 1968, the Cottons purchased a dairy farm in Clandeboye, Manitoba.  After several years working as a Nurses Aide at Selkirk Mental Health Centre, Marie left that position and worked full-time at home on the farm.

Marie was an active member of the community.  She was involved with the Clandeboye United Church and could always be relied upon to bake and cook for the annual Turkey Dinner and other fundraisers. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, which she enjoyed and participated in for many years. Marie loved to knit, and her sweaters were often best sellers at craft sales in the area. 

After they sold the farm in the late 1990s Marie and Stuart enjoyed travelling the world.  They went to Australia and New Zealand, Portugal, and England.  They also loved taking road trips to Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia to visit friends and family. 

 

Weep not for me though I have gone

Into that gentle night

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul’s sweet flight

 

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest

There is no need for tears

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years

 

There is no pain, I suffer not

The fear is now all gone

Put now those things out of your thoughts

In your memory I live on

 

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife

Please do not dwell upon my death

But celebrate my life

(Unknown Author)

 

A celebration of Marie’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Clandeboye United Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clandeboye United Church Memorial Fund.

Condolences and pictures may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk is in care of arrangements.