Tribute

It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret Ellen (Marni) Loewen announces her passing due to lung cancer complications on August 16, 2021. She had recently moved with her husband LaVern to Chilliwack, BC to be closer to family, and she spent her final days in  hospice there.

Marni was born to Margaret and Vernon North, their second child, on April 18, 1945 in a cottage hospital in the tiny town of Miami, Manitoba. As a child she grew up in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Regina, before moving back to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. Shortly afterward she took a teaching position in Cranberry Portage where she met LaVern, which took her to Boissevain and Steinbach Manitoba, then eventually to Port Kells and Qualicum Beach, BC, before her final move to Chilliwack.

An extremely independent child, she was always the fun-filled center of attention. Her Grandma (mother’s mom) would play piano at church services, and Marni would sit with her, absorbing the sounds and rhythms.  Her sister Wendy was her confidante, and helped her through her music lessons and stage auditions. She could be found on stage during school dances singing with the band, and at golf club music nights upstaging the hired entertainment. She was hired for two seasons on Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg, where she garnered much attention within the acting community.

Always happy to be surrounded by music, the volunteer contributions she made as an adult to both Steinbach’s High School and the local young women’s musical group (The Treble Teens) were both fulfilling to her, and instrumental in moving both programs forward. In her time in Port Kells and Qualicum Beach Marni worked with abused women, trying to help them find a place in Jesus Christ and the world. In 2008 she graduated from the Trinity Graduate School of Apologetics and Theology with a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies. In her final year, Marni enjoyed exploring the Chilliwack area with her husband. A fitting way to bring an adventurous life to a close.

Marni is survived by her husband LaVern, sister Wendy Waggoner (Ed), daughter Mary-Liz Borseth (Jason), eldest son Mark Loewen (Hayley), 9 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Her second child, son Matthew Loewen, had recently passed.

The family was extremely grateful for the care Marni received in her last days, and in lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation in her name to the Chilliwack Hospice Society (www.chilliwackhospice.org/donate/).

There will be a Celebration of Life at 10:00am on August 27th at Prairie Bible Chapel 1929 Interprovincial Road in Abbotsford, BC. All are welcome.