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Maria Perron (nee Rempel)
September 10, 1947 – April 22, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Maria Perron on April 22, 2024 at the age of 76, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Maria was born in Paraguay on September 10, 1947 shortly after her parents fled Ukraine with the help of the Mennonite Central Committee following World Ward II. In 1957, at the age of 9, Maria with her 2 siblings and parents immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
After high school she trained as a Laboratory Technologist at Red River College and graduated in 1968. She moved to Kenora, Ontario later the same year after accepting a one year position at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital. There she met the love of her life, Allan Perron, and never left the small town. They were married in April 1971 and had 2 children, Adena and Andrew.
Maria was a strong Mennonite woman who found joy and peace by helping others. She had a strong faith and was an active member in her church where she was affectionately known as the “coffee lady”. She never hesitated to drop everything, bake 3 dozen muffins and come to someone’s aid. Maria cherished her friendships and was fortunate to have her Birthday Club ladies in her life for over 50 years. More recently, she became involved with her “exercise Zumba ladies” and looked forward to those mornings together.
Her devotion and kindness was always felt by her family. She was the true “Queen Bee” of 8 growing, loud, rambunctious grandsons. “Omi’s” home was filled with love …. and food! She created a place where cousins went to become friends. Maria and Allan enjoyed travelling with family and were always up for a ski trip or sunny vacation, even if there was some babysitting involved!
When at home, Maria loved to garden, and always looked forward to the new possibilities of Spring. She cherished spending time outdoors, reading books and visiting with friends and family. Maria was a pillar of strength, faith, love and kindness, which was felt by everyone who knew her.
Maria leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Allan Perron and their 2 children, Adena Madison (Brad) of Winnipeg, MB and Andrew (Marley) of Kenora, ON. She will be missed by her 8 grandsons, Ashton, Noah, Grady and Owen Madison; as well as Jacob, Connor, Sully and Jamieson Perron. Also left to mourn is her sister Adina Redekop (Ed), brothers Hans Rempel (Anita) and Rudy Rempel (Andrea) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins she held dear to her heart.
Our family wishes to thank the many people involved in Maria’s journey for their professional and supportive care. A special thank you to Cancer Care Thunder Bay (Dr. Adrien Chan, Dr. Kevin Ramchandar, Dr. Kathy Simpson, Dr. Katrina Ward), and the Cancer Care Kenora Chemotherapy department. We are indebted to the extraordinary Palliative Care team in Kenora, especially Mike Limerick, Charlene Mellilo and Carlee Burton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maria’s memory to Cancer Care Ontario or the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church in Kenora, Ontario on Monday April 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm. A luncheon will follow.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We love you Omi, and we miss you dearly.