Marion Drozda

Marion (Maria Annie) Drozda (Fedorski)

Marion was born February 11, 1936, to John and Rose Fedorski north of Esterhazy, SK. Her only sister, Betty, was born three years prior. Their mother raised the girls in a small home she worked hard to purchase on her own in Esterhazy. There Marion attended school until grade 11. She also began working at a young age to help support her family. After grade 11, Marion went on to Commercial Secretary School in Regina, where she fine-tuned her skills in typing and short hand.

Marion met Ken in Esterhazy and after a brief courtship they were married on September 5, 1956. Ken’s work at the lumber yard brought them to Shoal Lake, MB as newlyweds. Marion worked briefly for a lawyer as his secretary and managed Ken’s books for his growing business. Their daughters Valerie and Colette were born shortly after, Nov. 4, 1958 and Jan 2. 1960, respectively. When they moved from behind the insurance office in 1969 to 718 Birtle Street, Lawrence and Cathie Smith became treasured neighbours.

Marion’s life work was her church, family and community. She was a devout Catholic, who was always happy to lend a hand whenever the opportunity arose. Mass was always a priority and was a staple in their household traditions. Her girls were her life. She always sent them off to school with a hot meal and was home when they returned, either busy in the kitchen or in the garden out back. Marion led her life with intention and humility, living the Catholic faith with grace and compassion. When she and Ken were blessed with grandchildren, she was eager to spend time with them and let them know they were loved. Whether it be playing Scrabble, listening to an essay that the kids wrote or shucking peas on the patio, Marion was an attentive listener and had a knack for making people feel seen. With her family, Marion’s reserved nature fell away and she was quick to be playful, cheeky and full of laughter.

When not looking after her girls or serving in the community, Marion loved to garden. She prided herself on maintaining a well-kept yard filled with petunias, gladiolas and other floral varieties. She loved to bird watch; she had many feeders in the yard which brought an array of species to enjoy. Marion also tended a large garden where she grew an assortment of vegetables and a well-established raspberry patch. Baking, cooking and canning were also among Marion’s strong suits: she always kept a freezer full of cookies just in case company stopped by and she served a top-notch apple pie. She would spend her evenings reading and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She also enjoyed bridge and cribbage, and to accompany Ken while he golfed and hunted. Marion loved dogs, especially their family dachshund of 14 years, Tabby.

Marion’s community involvement included the Rebekah Lodge, volunteering at local fairs, baking for community events and serving meals with the Catholic Church. She lent her time and bookkeeping expertise to Donor’s Choice and provided members of the community with fresh raspberries picked from her garden. When Ken became a resident at the Morley House PCH in Shoal Lake, Marion visited every day, doting on her husband and the other residents. She and Ken loved to “cut a rug” on the dance floor, even after Ken became a resident in the care home. She was very thankful for the care that Ken received, and the staff became a second family.

Marion remained home on her own for as long as possible before making the move to the apartments at Morley House in 2016. Not long after, Marion joined Ken in the Care Home. Marion was predeceased by her husband Ken on October 30, 2020. The staff at Morley House provided excellent care for Marion as her health and memory failed her in the following years.

Marion went home to her Lord and Saviour in the presence of her loved ones on December 7th, 2025.

Marion leaves to mourn her daughters Valerie (Vaughn Blab) and Colette; five grandchildren, Jacinthe (Mike), Stefan, Danielle (Marc-André), Caleb (Alliesha), Kelsey-Ann (Marcelo); great grandchildren, Greyson, Fynnley and Mason; as well as extended family members and friends.

Marion was also predeceased by her mother (Rose), sister (Betty), mother-in-law (Rose) and father-in-law (Joe Drozda).

Marion will be greatly missed, but will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved her, especially her family and friends.