Marilynn Joyce Reid

With family by her side, Marilynn Reid, passed away at her residence at Birch Lodge Personal Care Home, Hamiota MB on November 12, 2023.

Marilynn Joyce was the first child born to Frank and Hannah (ne Foxton) on December 30, 1947 and raised on the family farm at Isabella with her siblings Linda, Harold and Donna.  She participated in all the community activities: 4-H Home Ec Sewing Club, skating, curling, C.G.I.T., participated in the Birdtail River Fine Arts Festival in piano, vocal and speech arts, and was a member of the Isabella United Church, attending Sunday School and a junior choir member.  Marilynn was an accomplished seamstress.  She received her early years education at Isabella School and then her high school education at the Birtle Collegiate Institute.  Following high school Marilynn attended the University of Manitoba where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 and then her Certificate in Education in 1969.  She taught in the St. James School Division until her move to Edmonton following her marriage in 1973 to Herb Bernard.  Marilynn taught in several schools in Edmonton but always returned to her favourite position, grade 1 at Michael A. Kostek School. She spoke so fondly of her students and the families that she felt privileged to work with over her many years – and if you were her student, rest assured you held an important place in her memories.

Marilynn always had her nose in a book and from a very early age became a life-long learner.  In 1982 she became an independent consultant for “The Centre for Innovation in Education”, affording her numerous opportunities to travel throughout Canada and United States and teach ‘Math Their Way’ courses to teachers.  Mathematics was her passion, and she was tireless in both seizing teachable moments with her nieces and nephews, and having all save a variety of items that could one day be part of a counting session.  It brought her great joy to watch the eyes of young children light up when a connection to numbers and shapes was made. Marilynn was seconded to the University of Alberta working with student teachers and lecturing – the culmination of a long and rich career in education. Upon retiring Marilynn then enjoyed several years working in the retail business – a natural fit for someone who loved to shop for shoes and clothing as much as she.

In addition to reading and skiing, Marilynn also loved to travel and was able to enjoy numerous trips and cruises throughout the years. It was in retail that Marilynn made a close friend who she travelled extensively with for several years. From riding on a camel beside the pyramids of Egypt to sailing down the Panama Canal, she reveled in sharing her pictures and stories of these adventures with all.  Marilynn loved spending time with her two nieces and six nephews, and made many a trip home to Manitoba proudly driving her Ford vehicles to spend time with family.

Upon a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Marilynn moved home to Manitoba to be closer to family.  In 2020 she became a resident at the Birch Lodge PCH, a time for which we are forever grateful for the care she received.

Marilynn was predeceased by her parents Frank and Hannah Reid, her brother-in-law Bill Clark, and by several aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her siblings Linda Clark and her family, Harold Reid and his family and Donna and Scott Gammack, her aunt Sheila (Percy) Pierce and Fran Foxton and many cousins.  A family graveside service will take place at a later date at the Isabella Cemetery.