Obituary of Marlyn Lepp
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Marlyn, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Harold, children Sherry (John) and Glenn (Tiffany), and her granddaughters Ashley (Matthew) and Taylor (Travis). She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings, nieces, nephews and numerous friends that were family.
Marlyn was predeceased by her parents, Tina and Abe Fehr, her in-law’s, Maria and Abe Lepp, her sister-in-law, Hilda Lepp, her brother-in-law, Henry Martens, her nephew, Kerry Lepp, and her niece, Jacqueline Cannizzaro.
Marlyn was born in Winkler, Manitoba, to Tina and Abe Fehr. She lived on the family farm in the Wingham area, near Elm Creek, for most of her childhood where she also attended school. When Marlyn was in grade five the family moved to Winnipeg for one year, where they quickly realized home was on the farm. At the age of 16 Marlyn moved in with her grandma in Morden to work at a sewing factory. Continuing her career, she moved to Winnipeg to live with her sister Anne where she got a job in another sewing factory.
Lucky for Marlyn, Anne got married in 1964, where she met her husband Harold as they were both in the wedding party. Now needing another roommate, Marlyn’s sister Cathy moved in with her. Looking out for her little sister, Marlyn got Cathy a job at the same sewing factory.
Marlyn and Harold were married October 2, 1965. They lived on a farm in the Steinbach area, one year later moving to Winnipeg.
In October of 1967 they began their family and Sherry was born on their second wedding anniversary. Each year Sherry reminded them how lucky they were to have her instead of the Chinese food they had planned.
Two years later, on March 2, 1969, they welcomed they their son, Glenn. Since Marlyn was sure she was having a girl, Glenda quickly had to become Glenn.
Soon after the kids were born, they moved the family out to Oak Bluff where they lived until 1985.
They first moved to a property two miles out of Oak Bluff, then in 1977 they built their own home in a new development in town. They lived there for four years and got the itch to build again, so in 1981 they finished and moved into their second new home. In those eight years many great memories were made as her brothers, Jack and Abe, both built houses in the development. Lucky for the two boys their youngest brother, Harry, didn’t build too as Marlyn has always believed he could do no wrong.
The family moved back to Winnipeg in 1985, to St. Vital where they lived to this day.
In 1995, Ashley was born and Marlyn took on her proudest roll in life as Grandma.
Two years latter in the summer of 1997 Marlyn was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She battled for six months, ending with a bone marrow transplant and she was ready to take on life again.
Taylor was born in 1999, and Marlyn was overjoyed to have another granddaughter to spoil, teach and love.
In 2010, Marlyn had what was going to be the first of many strokes. Although each one presented her with a new set of challenges, her drive, determination and pure stubbornness kept her going.
Anyone that knowns Marlyn knows her for her love of cooking and baking. She showed her love through her food and could be found on numerous evenings with Harold delivering the latest thing she had made to her family. It would be safe to say that almost everyone in her life has tasted her famous potato salad (which she would never give out the recipe for), her cinnamon buns, jam, soups, bread, or various creations… the list could go on and on. Never ask for a recipe though, as Marlyn’s reply would be “a little bit of this and just a little bit of that”.
Marlyn was a skilled seamstress, sewing everything from baby clothes for the kids, ringette uniforms for the Oak Bluff team, and bridesmaid dresses. Marlyn was disappointed when the kids didn’t want to wear homemade clothes anymore.
Marlyn loved dogs. The family had several over the years growing up, but it was her final dog, Miko, that held the most special place in her heart. When Miko’s time had come, she stepped up in her roll as “grandma” to Rudy and Julie next door at Jayne’s place.
Marlyn was a social butterfly, she always wanted to be out and about or surrounded by people in her home. Marlyn had many special friends, who know who they are, and she always cherished the time spent with them. One in particular, started out as new neighbour 15 years ago, but turned into a friendship neither could have foreseen. Marlyn and Jayne spent many hours together having morning coffee on the front step, walking the dogs and causing trouble.
Marlyn’s love for her kids and grandkids could be recognized by anyone who would talk to her. She passed on her love of sewing and baking to her granddaughters. They have big shoes to fill but she has prepared them well. Her love for the girls continued on the softball diamonds and volleyball courts, with Marlyn and Harold always there to cheer them on. Her relationship with her son-in-law, John, would make anyone laugh as the two of them could go at it with each other for hours. They had a common love of Sudokus and she would drive John crazy at their weekly puzzle night as they were both sure their way was the only right way to do a puzzle. Marlyn was overjoyed to celebrate with family and friends at Ashley and Matthew’s wedding just six weeks ago.
Marlyn’s spunk, quick wit, stubbornness and sense of humour will be missed by many, especially her nieces and nephews.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg, MB.
Those who wish to honour Marlyn may donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Link to livestream of the Celebration of Life to follow.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marlyn
Lepp 1945 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Steinbach, Province: Manitoba