Marcia Aaron Birkenshaw (nee Osterhout)
May 17, 1951 - February 7, 2014
As published in the March 3, 2014 World-Spectator
It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, wife, mom and mama. You would never have known that Marcia had been fighting cancer for more than three years because she did so with a brave face, an open mind and heart, perseverance and a determination that would never quit. She didn’t let her disease and its progression stand in the way of living life to the fullest.
We will miss her dearly but are grateful for the time we had with her. Left to mourn her passing are her husband of nearly 45 years, Garry Birkenshaw of Rocanville; Her children Derek (Nicole) Birkenshaw of Moose Jaw and Kendal Birkenshaw (Jeff) of Regina; Her grandchildren, Taylor, Courtney and Caitlin Birkenshaw of Moose Jaw; Her sisters, Shannon Wilson and Dana (Roy) Hayden; And her brothers, Randy (Angela) Osterhout and Rory (Lorie) Osterhout, all of Regina; Brother-in-law Ray (Margaret) Birkenshaw of Rocanville and sisters-in-law Helen Birkenshaw of Regina, Elva (Al) Jaenen of Fairlight and Shirley (Don) Goodman of Rocanville.
Marcia is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by her paternal and maternal grandparents, her parents, Charles and Edna Osterhout her parents-in-law, William and Lena Birkenshaw, her brother Bradford Osterhout, her granddaughter Meagan Birkenshaw, her sister-in-law Joyce McIlvenna and her nieces Rose Marie and Erin Lawrence.
Marcia was born in Saskatoon on May 17, 1951, the third of six children to Charles and Edna. She was raised and went to school in Viscount, Geraldton, Ont., Colonsay, Rocanville, and Regina. On April 12, 1969, she married her soul mate and lifelong partner, Garry Birkenshaw.
Together they had a son Derek in 1971 and a daughter Kendal in 1977. In 1995 they welcomed their first grandaughter, Taylor, followed by twin granddaughters Courtney and Caitlin in 1998.
Marcia will be remembered for many things but mostly her selfless, kind and giving nature. She was completely devoted to her family and especially so to her three granddaughters. Mama was never happier than when holding a baby in her arms. Marcia was an avid reader and instilled the love of reading in her children and grandchildren. She worked as a librarian for many years, where she also ran story time for children and volunteered as an ESL teacher.
Her volunteer work also included being a member of the Regina Buffalo Days committee for nearly two decades-which she loved-and where she made many lifelong friendships. Marcia also loved to travel with her husband, children and grandchildren, as well as with her sisters, mother and extended family.
Boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking were a few of her favourite leisure activities. Warm winter getaways and summers spent camping with Marcia will be fondly remembered by those she loved. We just know that she’s sitting on a Caribbean island somewhere, waiting for the rest of her people to join her.
Marcia was absolutely everything to her family. She is a true inspiration to all who were lucky enough to have known her. We will keep her in our hearts and memories forever.
We would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Mercia as well as the many cancer clinic and palliative care nurses that were so important to and appreciated by both Marcia and her family. Her kindness and caring touch will always be remembered with gratitude.
A beautiful funeral service and lunch was held at St. Paul’s United Church in Rocanville on February 12, 2014 and officiated by Marcia’s niece, Reverend Cindy Gossling. Special thanks to both Cindy and the volunteers at the church. Interment will follow at a later date. Donations can be made to the MDHCF-Palliative Care, Moosomin, SK in Marcia’s name. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com.
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