Marilyn Philippina Elisabeth Richardson

Heaven has called another angel.
Marilyn Philippina Elisabeth Richardson (Nee Hertlein) passed peacefully on October 27, 2021, at the Country Meadows Personal Care Home in Neepawa Mb., with family by her side.  
Mom was born October 13, 1934 to Mary and John Hertlein in Langenburg, Sk.  and was raised in the farming community of Inglis, Mb.
She was predeceased by her husband Leslie (Les) Richardson, parents Mary and John Hertlein, an infant sister Christina, sisters Margaret (William Mintenko) of Russell, Shirley Rudolf of The Pas, brothers Chris (Beatrice) Hertlein of Langenburg, Jack Hertlein of Esterhazy, Sk. She was also pre-deceased by a son Thomas age 2 and an infant daughter Kathy, as well as a son-in-law David Harapiak and Great Grandson Jett.
She married her soul mate Les on March 24, 1954 and was blessed with raising 5 children together. Harvey (MJ) from The Pas, grandsons Jeff and Scott (Crystal) .  A daughter Brenda ( Wayne) Schell of Neepawa, Grandaughters Jocelyn (Ron) , Leslee (Steven) , grandson Garrett (Terri) . A son Calvin (Karen) of Steinbach, grandsons Jason and Chad( Daria), twin granddaughters Meagan (Jared), and  Tricia . Daughter Debbie Harapiak of Winnipeg, grand daughter Alannah (Randy)  , Grandson Braxton. A son Brian (Darlene) of Lockport, grandson Michael (Robyn), granddaughter Shani (Ryan).  A decade ago, a step son Greg Trenholm (from Dryden) came into her life, with his children Jackie  (Paris), Pattie and  Greg Jr.(Iris).   Bev Seaborn was very special to her and she treated her like a daughter.  She has many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her dearly. 
She was born in a time when school seemed unimportant, a home had no running water, no hydro and certainly no conveniences. When families simply “make due” with what they had and hard work was the order of the day. On top of this “lap of luxury” she never saw her mother walk and when…. but a child herself, she had the onerous job of caring for an invalid mother,  raising 2 smaller siblings, running a  household complete with  meals, laundry by hand, getting meals to men in the field and not even a teenager  yet. Proper schooling, not being an option , she went out to work to help support the family and while waitressing at the local café, she met and married this “dreamie”  guy, Les (LT), who swept her off her feet. 
Alcoholism inflicted our family early in their marriage and mom being no stranger to commitment and hard work, buckled down to raising 5 children as well as taking in up to 4 boarders, at a time.  Later she managed a farm on her own (along with directing the support staff…”the kids”), while dad did some northern stints, to put food on the table. Mom later worked at the chicken processing plant In Neepawa and when it closed, her working career came full circle when she retired from the Coop cafeteria.
Mining, farming and trucking moved mom and dad around Manitoba and Saskatchewan, but finally settled in Franklin Manitoba for 42 years. After mom suffered health concerns, dad struggled with the decision of moving her to the PCH in Neepawa in 2016. Dad visited mom daily and became a regular at the PCH dinner table, until his passing last year.
In later years, mom and dad liked to travel, making 2 trips to Cuba, a trip to Alaska, along with numerous other US destinations.   They loved to dance, play cards, games and attended many roundups over the years.  And of course, the love of mom’s life …..her  babies, grand babies and great grandbabies. In their presence, her soft blue eyes would twinkle so, letting you peek into the biggest heart that would wrap them up in love.  As tough as life could get… the love for her family endured, along with her infectious smile.
Our family wishes to acknowledge, the gifts of care and compassion shown mom by the entire Country Meadows Personal Care Home and Neepawa Hospital, during her final chapter of life.  Words cannot express our thanks.
It is now time for us to share this kind, loving, gentle soul with the heavens.  It makes us smile to know she is now dancing among the stars with dad. 

Celebration of Life on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm in The Franklin Hall...Due to Provincial Public Health Orders, proof of vaccination is required before entry into the Service.

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