Obituary of Marianne Orilla Hulme

HULME – Mrs. Marianne Marianne Orilla Hulme (McGonigal) passed away on December 10, 2019, at the age of 93. Marianne is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Sharon, Beverly, and Shirley and their families: - Sharon and Jean Miller of Shellbrook, SK, and their 4 children: Chad and Melissa Miller and children, Brayden and Saydee; Nicole and Grayson Weir and children, Alex and Emily; Delee and Dana Pyrch; Ashley and Geoff Hopkins. - Beverly and Tom Mullin of Pasqua Lake, SK, and their 2 children: Jillian and Kris Heshka and children, Haley and Hudson; Mark Mullin and Raelyn Lorenz and children, Kai, Van, and Kip. - Shirley and David Blume of Crowsnest Pass, AB. She also leaves behind a very dear friend, Roy Dickinson of Moose Jaw, SK. Marianne was predeceased in 1998 by Nelson, her loving husband of 50 years; her parents, Gertrude (Jean) and John (Jack) McGonigal; her brothers, Robert (Bob), John William (Bill), and George. Marianne’s life journey began on February 7, 1926, in Rouleau where she was born. She grew up on a farm south of Briercrest with her three brothers. She attended elementary school at Roseville and high school in Briercrest where she boarded with Alex and Dorothy Boan and worked at the telephone switchboard. Her post-secondary education began at Moose Jaw Normal School where she earned her Teaching Certificate and a scholarship in physical education. Marianne applied her new teaching skills in the Rockglen area, then Tilney, Roseville and later Briercrest where she was a substitute teacher. In 1947 she married her childhood sweetheart, Nelson Hulme. The newlyweds took up residence in Claybank where they opened a gas station and confectionery. British Columbia next lured the young couple with the possibility of a new business venture, but the love of Saskatchewan and high BC land prices precipitated their returned to Briercrest. There they opened a business, farmed, and raised their family. Marianne began a new career in social work in 1966 with Saskatchewan Social Services in Moose Jaw, a career she found both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. In the mid-1970s Nelson was offered a job in Northern Saskatchewan teaching driver training and later small engine repair, so the two left for the North on another adventure, living and working in the communities of La Ronge, Deschambault, Pelican Narrows, Green Lake, and Buffalo Narrows. This was a perfect opportunity for Marianne to continue to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work and to work with Social Services in many of these isolated communities. After five years they returned to Briercrest and Marianne continued as a social worker and later a supervisor with Social Services. Her exceptional penmanship and word crafting abilities could rival any Hallmark greeting card professional. Those who knew her often wondered how this elegant and charming woman could deliver an eyebrow-raising litany of jokes and stories with such class and professional delivery. Any stand-up comedian would yearn to have such talent and material. The sense of community was strong in Marianne. Some of the groups she was involved in include the Community Center, Wellness Clinics, Knox Presbyterian Church, and Claybank Brick Plant. When the community was fighting to save the post office Marianne wrote many strongly worded letters of support and later a poem, “Ode to a Post Office.” She also decorated floats, bikes, halls, and posters made the best pies and cookies and was an avid reader, dancer, and bridge player until her late 80s. She was a very special “Gee Gee” to her grand and great-grandchildren of whom she was most proud. Marianne was a beautiful gentle soul with a warm caring heart and there is no question she has left a huge void in the lives of her family and friends. We take comfort knowing she had a long and wonderful life and that she is now in a better place, finally reunited with her soul mate, Nelson. She loved music and one of her favorites was, “I’ll Be Loving You, Always.” Rest in peace, Mom, knowing we will always be loving you. Due to the current health situation we must, unfortunately, cancel the Celebration of Life planned for Marianne in June. A private family service will be held at a later date. Should anyone wish to make a donation in Marianne’s name, please consider: Briercrest Museum, Box 216, Briercrest, SK, S0H 0K0; Claybank Brick Plant, c/o Pat Machmer, PO Box 2-5, Claybank, SK, S0H 0W0; or a charity of your choice. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com or email blumes@shaw.ca. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.