Marcella Tostowaryk

Marcella Ann Tostowaryk (Marcy) left this earth, friends and family on April 20, 2025. She travels with much love and gratitude from all whom she touched during her long and meaningful life.

Marcy was born in Roblin on September 20, 1937, the daughter of Sophie and William Kozak. Her parents separated when she was young, and her relatives helped her father to raise her.

At 16 years of age Marcy married and moved to Sudbury, Ontario, where she brought five beautiful boys into the world. Life was not always easy and Marcy’s main goal in life was to make sure that everybody was safe and happy. She always did her best, putting her family’s well-being before her own.

As years passed, she relocated to Dauphin, with her boys. She quickly obtained employment with Beaver Lumber, and later in the office at Dauphin Consumer’s Co-op. She had an admirable work ethic, which showed in every task she approached.

She was blessed when she met the love of her life, Bill Tostowaryk, who was completely dedicated to her and the family’s well-being. They married on December 15, 1972, purchased a home, and raised five sons: Raymond, Brian, Wayne, Gary and Larry. They travelled extensively across Canada and beyond, especially to the west coast to visit Marcy’s brother. Bill and Marcy shared many loving years together until his passing July 18, 2018.

Marcy was intelligent and inquisitive. She had a variety of collections in her home over the years. She showed an affinity for Asian items, seashells, teapots and artwork. The Marcy that we knew, felt her greatest peace and joy when her hands were in the dirt in her beautiful gardens. She researched and became highly educated in gardening. Marcy enjoyed many garden tours to several prairie provinces. She took great pride in her flowers, which bloomed profusely. She loved lilies and planted many exotic varieties. Her garden was a delight for those fortunate enough to visit it. She shared the bounty from her garden with many and used the produce to create delicious dishes. Guests and family in her home always came to the table knowing they would enjoy a tasty meal.

Another of her favorite pastimes was searching for beautiful items at secondhand stores. She became a pro at thrifting.

Bill and Marcy had a special place in their hearts for their dogs: Dutchess, Peeka and Sumi.

Marcy and Bill enjoyed music, especially singing along with their favorite songs and together they started a retail business “Snow Sound Music”. As Bill was still working for Transport Canada, Marcy spent several years in Snow Lake where she operated their music business. There she became part of the community – providing musical joy for many people who became lifelong friends.

Marcy was one of the founding members of the Dauphin Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. She had a deep heart and caring spirit for people suffering with mental health concerns. She was a strong advocate and support for them. She was on the founding board for the Nearly New Shop and was involved with the Fiends of Schizophrenia local chapter. The Hero Club received her unconditional support.

Marcy was predeceased by her parents, her brother Bill, her husband William, sons Raymond and Wayne, daughter-in-law Shirley and sister-in-law Betty.

She leaves behind three sons: Brian, Gary (Brenda), Larry (Ally), grandsons David (Celeste) and Noah, Sebastion and Jeremiah Barnesky. She also leaves great- granddaughter Ephrosien (Ephy) and great-grandson Duncan, and sisters-in-law Mary and Carol. She will always be alive in the hearts of her many friends from various locations who will miss her companionship.

Marcy, please know that your thoughts, teachings and contributions will live on with many.

Travel safely Marcy into the waiting arms of those you loved who went before you. You have left the world a better place because of your presence here.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

If family and friends so desire, donations in memory of Marcella may be made the Lung Association of Manitoba.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marcella Tostowaryk, please visit our floral store.