Emily Marilyn Firman

Emily Marilyn Firman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother and Grandma, Emily (Marilyn) Firman.  Tragically at the age of 74, Marilyn passed suddenly due to complications that arose during a heart procedure at St. Boniface Hospital on November 27th, 2019.

Marilyn is survived by her sons Andrew and Darren (Carla); Grandchildren Adam, Ashton, Benjamin and Emilie; Brother Oscar (Virginia); Sisters-In-Law Karen (Lou) and Pat, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years William (Bill) Firman, August 29th, 2019; her parents Ferdinand and Emily Honke; Brothers Bert, Gordon, and Herbert; Sisters-In-Law Jeanette and Irene.

Marilyn was born July 9th, 1945 to parents Emily and Ferdinand Honke. She was the fourth of 5 children and spent her early years growing up with her brothers on the family farm in Seven Sisters Falls, MB.  From an early age, Marilyn loved being around people and family. The family had a large extended family of grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in the community.

The family moved to Winnipeg in 1952 and would move around a few times before settling to a home on Lusted Avenue. 

Marilyn attended St. Johns High School where she studied academics and office courses.

Marilyn worked in a variety of fields throughout her life.  From 1966-67, she worked at Riverview Towing and Ambulance Service as a dispatcher.  From 1967-68, she worked as a mail clerk with Watkins Corporation.  From 1968-73, Marilyn worked as the Office Manager Industrial Products Division for the Singer Company of Canada.  In 1972, and 1973, with the birth of sons Andrew and Darren, Marilyn embarked on her new path as a stay at home mom.  Marilyn would return to the workforce in 1987 as an Inventory Auditor with Commodity Count Inventory Auditing and Analysis.  In 1988, Marilyn joined Henderson City Directories where she would work as an Enumerator and later a Sorter in the book binding process.

Marilyn married the love of her life William (Bill) Firman July 30th, 1966.  They would go on to celebrate 53 years of marriage.  The young couple enjoyed travelling by car to various points of interest across Canada and the United States.  In 1972, they bought a home at 424 Dalton Street in Winnipeg’s North End.  This would remain their family home until the time of their passing.

Throughout the years Marilyn and Bill were very active in their community.  From 1981-86, Marilyn served in a volunteer role as a Zone Chairperson with the Manitoba Heart Association.  She served on the Parent Councils of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and Robertson School for several years.  In 1982, Marilyn and Bill joined the Executive Board at Sinclair Park Community Centre where they would serve their community for over 25 years.  Marilyn served multiple terms as the Canteen Chairperson and later as the Bingo Chairperson.  She played a key role in planning and organizing the Bingo program to raise the funds necessary to support the community centre’s programs.   

Marilyn and Bill were dedicated, loving parents.  They would attend all of their boys’ practices and games in the various sports they played.  They would attend all of shows that Andy’s band played.  Whatever their kids were doing, they knew they had their parents support.  This continued on to their grandchildren as well where Marilyn and Bill could always be found cheering them on.

Marilyn loved to listen to music, especially “oldies”.  She loved to dance and could often be found dancing at home listening to her music.  She also loved to watch movies with her family and to sew in her free time.  Most importantly Marilyn was a social person that could talk to anyone and make them feel welcome.  She loved spending time visiting with her family and friends.  Marilyn was a selfless person and would do anything she could to help others without ever asking for anything in return.  The kids of the neighbourhood always knew that that Firman house was open to all.  Marilyn made everyone welcome; made them feel at home.

As a wife, mom, and grandma you will be loved forever and forgotten never.  You were our angel sent from above to nurture and guide us.  You loved and gave more than words can express.  Know that you will remain always in our hearts.  You have gone to be with dad and the lord. Rest in peace.

A prayer service will be held Monday February 17th, at St Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (250 Jefferson Avenue).  Service will begin at 11am and will be followed by a celebration of life in the church reception hall.  A private family internment will take place at a later date.    

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