Marilyn Ruth Shabaga

May 2, 1945 – November 19, 2020 

Peacefully, on November 19, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer, Marilyn left us for the next chapter in her journey.

Marilyn was 75 years old. She was born on May 2, 1945 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is predeceased by her parents, Stefan (Steve) Bednarek and Maria Bednarek (Pischke).

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 53 years, John Shabaga, daughter Tamara Shabaga (Tom McGouran) and grandchildren Parker Klassen and Abby Klassen, son Sean Shabaga and daughter-in-law Chantal Shabaga and grandchildren Scarlett and Preston Shabaga, siblings Bryce Bednarek (Joan, Kelly), Gerald (Happy) Bednarek (Darren, Shelly,Derek), Vivian Nordin (Roy, Pam, Natalie) , Marvin Bednarek (Kevin) and Greg Bednarek (Sherry, Dustin,Amy), sister in law Judy Hickman (Wallace, Heather, Mark), brother in law Gary Shabaga (Lynn, Kyle, Kenny) as well as many other relatives and close friends.
Marilyn was a special person, she was a loving and caring wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister (in-law), aunt, cousin and friend. She was deeply loved and cherished by all of the people in her life, and will be truly missed.

Marilyn grew up in Steep Rock, Manitoba on the family farm with her parents and siblings, and then moved to St. Martin, Manitoba following her marriage to John Shabaga. Together they ran St. Martin Transfer for many years. Marilyn spent the past 20 years of her life between Winnipeg and her cherished cottage at Willow Bay, near Steep Rock, as well as frequent visits to Ontario and travel adventures abroad.
Marilyn was known for taking care of others, and making sure everything was always done just right !

She was a devoted wife and mother and grandmother, and always put other people ahead of herself – she was so selfless and so strong. She liked to keep busy, and in addition to managing the books for the trucking business and raising a family, she was a talented and proud home keeper and volunteered in her communities in various roles and was also a member of the business and economic development committee in the Interlake. More recently she volunteered at the Grace Hospital as well as the Charleswood United Church, in Winnipeg.

Marilyn loved being with her family, visiting with close friends, reading books, cooking, spending time at the cottage and travelling. Her adventures took her to many parts of the world with her family and her favorite travel buddies – Ulla, Margaret and Nadine. She cherished those times together, and was very proud of her adventures and accomplishments.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Charleswood United Church or any charity of your choice.
A service or celebration of life will be organized in the next few months, once safe to do so.

God must have needed a special angel back today – we love you so much Mom.
The following passage is something that she would want all of us to embrace.

To Those Whom I love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you’ve given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near. And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear, All my love around you soft and clear. To Those Whom I love & Those Who Love Me And then, when you come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and a ‘Welcome Home’