Evelyn Marie McConnell

McConnell: Evelyn Marie McConnell passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Riverdale Personal Care Home. Marie was born June 3, 1939, in Pettapiece, Manitoba. Marie completed her Laboratory and Radiology in 1959 and 1960 and upon graduation she went to work at the Hamiota Hospital. She worked as a lab & x-ray technologist in the Brandon, Rivers, Hamiota and Reston hospitals over her working career and retired in her late 60s.

She married Morley McConnell on October 20, 1961. Mom & Dad always enjoyed and did a lot of travelling while they were young, before Morley’s heath declined.

Over the years, she enjoyed singing, dancing, golfing, curling and daily walks. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and joy. She was their absolute biggest supporter, attending many of their ball and soccer games, dance recitals and Highland dance competitions. In later years, she enjoyed travelling and adventures with her grandchildren, including parasailing, ziplining and rollercoasters.

Marie is survived by two daughters Debbie (Jerry) Johnston and Barb (Ian) Watson, grandchildren Ashley (Bryce)Trusty, Brayden (Crystal) Johnston, Taryn Watson (Braydon Whittington) and Camryn Watson (Tanner Bridge), great grandchildren Avery and Kinsley Trusty, Emma, Jalyn, Kiera and Rayna Johnston; brother-in law Kent (Maureen) McConnell; sisters-in law Eula Woods, Mick Little, Maureen McConnell and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Morley, parents Jim and Ev Stratford, parents-in-law Roy and Minnie McConnell, sisters Shirley Kamula and Gwen Goodman, brother Larry Stratford, brothers/sisters-in-law Nick Kamula, Verne (Jean) McConnell, Mavis (Ron) Bray, Lloyd Little, Nelson Woods, Jim McConnell, Elgin “Red” (Ruth) McConnell.

The service to celebrate Marie’s life was held at the Rivers United Church, Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with Karen Kempe officiating. Interment followed at Rivers Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brayden Johnston, Ashley and Bryce Trusty, Ian Watson, Braydon Whittington and Tanner Bridge. Organist was Dianne Kowalchuk, Soloist was Karen Kempe accompanied by Harold Kuipers. Thank you to Michelle Major and Memories Chapel for helping us, Marie’s family, to make the day a wonderful celebration of Marie’s life and to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary for the lovely lunch.

Words fail to express our deep appreciation to the nurses, doctors and staff at Wawanesa, Souris and Riverdale Personal Care Homes for the loving care Mom received which helped her and her family through a very difficult time. Sincere thank you to all our family and friends for all their love and support. If friends desire, donations in memory of Marie may be made to Rivers United Church, Box 444, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 or Rivers and Area Community Foundation, Box 714, Rivers, MB, R0K 1X0. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel, 204-727-0330.

“Forever in our Hearts”