Marilyn Stanger

Marilyn Helena Stanger (nee Wood) of Portage la Prairie passed away peacefully on July 2, 2018 at the age of 83 years.   Marilyn was born on July 8, 1934 in Winnipeg.  The family lived in Transcona, and with her father working for the railroad, they moved to McLennan, Alberta, to Portage la Prairie, then Neepawa, Manitoba.   Marilyn attended school in both Manitoba towns.

As a youth, Marilyn enjoyed sports including swimming and track and field.  As an adult she bowled competitively for many years, earning awards at a provincial level.  Marilyn enjoyed supporting and watching her three sons, Rob, Scot and Byron play sports, including baseball and hockey.  The boys also remembered  fondly the fun road trip she took them on to South Dakota, packed into her little yellow Pinto.

Marilyn worked for the Bank of Montreal in Neepawa and then also as an accountant in the Beautiful Plains School Division Office for many years.  Her skills here carried over into her home life, where she kept meticulous records!

In 1989 Marilyn married Alvin Stanger from Portage la Prairie and that is where they would call home for the next many years. Alvin and Marilyn enjoyed travelling and were also active together in Portage Lodges.  They enjoyed travelling to meetings and events. Marilyn was a member of the Royal Purple, and the Order of the Eastern Star, holding executive positions in both.

Family was very important to Marilyn, including the addition of grandchildren.   She also loved her many little dogs through the years;  most recently Eddie and then Jack.

Shopping  was fun and she was known as a sharp dresser.  In later years, after Alvin passed away, a supper out with the ladies was enjoyed (no matter who left the tip…wink).  She enjoyed reading mystery books and the Winnipeg Free Press cover to cover.  She also enjoyed a cup of tea, chocolates, Turtles, and of course crosswords….did we mention crosswords!

Marilyn was known for having everything in its place, and of course for her yellow sticky notes!  She was quick-witted, and believed in living for today, yet planning for tomorrow.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Rob (Susan ) Buchanan, of Swan River, grandchildren Shawn (Ally) and Lindsay Buchanan,  her sons Scot Buchanan of Vancouver, and Byron Buchanan of Portage;   Alvin’s family, Robert (Bev) Stanger of Portage, grandchildren Micheal and Brian Stanger, and Sandra Stanger (Ernie) of Regina.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Alvin Stanger, her sisters Yvonne Walsh and Velma Edwards, and parents, Harvey and Helena Wood.

A graveside service will be held Monday July 23, 2018 at 2 pm at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, led by Rev.  Beth Kerr, followed by a luncheon at McKenzie Funeral Chapel.  Family and friends may gather at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 1:30 pm to process to the cemetery.   Flowers are respectfully declined.  If desired, donations may be made to PAWS (Portage Animal Welfare Society), CMHA, or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.