Marjorie Gudrun Kempthorne

Marjorie Gudrun Kempthorne was born May 27, 1936 near Westbourne, Manitoba to Charles and Sigurveig Lambert. Marji was their oldest child of five, followed by Dale (Dianne) Lambert, Cora (Tom McCartney), Ida (Grant McDonald) and Keith (Karen) Lambert. Charlie and Veiga started their family on their farm near Westbourne. Marji attended St. James Collegiate in Winnipeg for grades 11 & 12, then went to Normal Teachers’ School to become a teacher. The first year, she taught at Edwin School teaching grades 1-8 in a two room school. Next was Victoria School in Portage teaching all subjects in grade 6, plus grade 8 phys ed. It was in Portage that Marji met Donald Kempthorne, who was working with Manitoba Pool, and the sparks flew. They were married July 11, 1959 in Westbourne, Manitoba at St. George Anglican Church, making their home near Don’s home town of Boissevain, at the Croll Pool Elevator where Don was then grain buyer.  Their children were both born in Boissevain: son Joel Donald in 1960 and daughter Colleen Marie in 1964 as the New Year baby! In 1966 the family moved to Gregg, where Don was the grain buyer for the Scottish Co-operative Society. The next year, Marji started teaching in Carberry at RJ Waugh School and Joel started grade one, with Colleen following a few years later.  In 1970, the Kempthornes moved to Carberry and Marji continued teaching for 27 years at RJ Waugh. She taught mostly grades 5 & 6, inspired many unique science projects, prepared her students for Track & Field Days and the Carberry Music & Arts Festival, and planned many great Field Trips including a two day overnight trip to Winnipeg. Marjorie had many interests outside of the classroom including curling, clogging, yoga, bowling, dancing, sewing, painting water colours, pottery and ceramics, gardening, camping, and discovering science in everyday life. She was also a very active volunteer her entire life, with the Royal Purple, St. Agnes Anglican Church, the Carberry Museum and many other organizations.

The family expanded when Colleen married John Moman in 1986 and when Joel married Shannon Nechwediuk in 2016. Don and Marji have four grandchildren: Chad (Samantha) Kempthorne, Brianne, Bryce and Jalene Moman, as well as three step grandchildren Jordan (Nichole), Brendan, and Nathan Chubaty. Great grandchildren Elena, Connor, Braydi and Jhett.

Don passed in 2018, so Marji moved to Rotary Villas in Brandon to be closer to the family. Much fun ensued with shuffleboard, monarch butterflies, field trips, live music, dancing and singalongs. In 2021, she moved to Fairview Care Home and quickly became a favorite with the nurses and recreation team. Huge thanks to all the caregivers along her journey, as well as the friends and family who visited and stayed in touch.

Marjorie instilled in her family a love of the arts, nature, and science. As the oldest sister, Marji inspired her sisters and brothers, as well as her nieces, nephews and cousins to always find the joys in life, have a laugh daily, cherish    your family and friends, and live your life to the fullest. We will all remember her bright smile and energetic approach to life. Rest in peace, Marjorie.

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