Marianne Elizabeth Heilman

Marianne Elizabeth Molinger (later married as Heilman) was born on October 2nd, 1950 at the Loon Lake Hospital to Felix and Annie Molinger, the second oldest of 4 children.  She shared a happy upbringing with her siblings Gertrude (Trudi), Walter and Bob.

Marianne and Leo Heilman met in Meadow Lake. Leo, who worked as a town clerk was taking a town deposit in to the same bank that Marianne worked at. They dated and were later married on October 9th, 1971, and spent time in Meadow Lake, Estevan, Brandon and Winnipeg before settling in Saskatoon. They were blessed with two boys, Terry and Jason. 

Marianne was very social and adored children, running a home daycare for many years before becoming an integral part of the Saskatoon Boys and Girls Club providing before and after school care to elementary students.  Some of the mothers that Marianne babysat for developed into lifelong friendships, such as with Mickey Williams of Saskatoon.

She had an impressive green thumb with a house full of happy plants and she always enjoyed the fruits of her gardening with carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, rhubarb and kohlrabi.  She kept an immaculate home and was an excellent cook.  Family dinners were very important to her (a.k.a. mandatory), as she enjoyed her family eating well as much as she enjoyed preparing it for us.  The recipes she shared with family will live on as her hand printed recipe cards are tucked away in many homes, far and wide. 

Marianne loved her pet dogs taking immense enjoyment from Benji and later Toby, who were her constant companions.  She loved to bond with those dogs through walks, brushing, playing fetch and it wasn’t unusual to find Marianne sipping on a cup of coffee with a dog sleeping in her lap.

It was important for Marianne to attend church and her faith continued at the Sherbrooke Community Centre where she attended Mass when she was able.  The Christmas Eve Mass was a favorite for her and it became part of the family tradition to open presents on Christmas Eve following the service at Holy Spirit Parish.

Marianne was an accomplished swimmer and at Loon Lake one year she swam from Jumbo Beach to the island accompanied by a pilot boat to ensure her safety!  She was also an excellent figure skater and enjoyed playing flag football with the boys.  She also loved to host her own garage sales as well as to go deal hunting at garage sales in the neighborhood which all contributed to her smart money sense.  She was one of the first households to hold garage sales in Loon Lake.

Marianne had a taste of world travel, having been to Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and Las Vegas with her husband Leo, but she often preferred more simple getaways closer to home.  She enjoyed camping in a tent as well staying in cabins at Loon Lake.  Her adventures often involved long travels to visit with extended family.

She celebrated Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, Halloween and Canada Day with passion, and it was of utmost importance to keep up the decorating, cooking, baking, gifting and other activities on a yearly basis without missing a beat!  Young or old, she made sure family in close proximity had a full Christmas Stocking and Easter Basket.

Marianne passed peacefully on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 at the age of 75 with her son Terry by her side at Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatoon.

Marianne was predeceased by: her parents Felix and Annie Molinger.

Marianne is survived by her husband Leo and children Terry (Susan) and Jason (Vanessa); siblings: Gertrude (Trudi) Griffiths, Walter (Myrna) Molinger and Bob (Sharon) Molinger; as well as nieces and nephews, Ryan Molinger, Vanessa Buckley, Justin Griffiths, Cody and Brandon Molinger.

Sincere appreciation and love to everyone including family, friends and healthcare staff who provided support through Marianne’s heath challenges and battles over many years which she fought with all the strength she could muster.

Some Messages and Lessons from Marianne for all of us:  
1)    Everything in balance.
2)    You are never too old for Christmas Stockings or Easter Baskets.
3)    (Keep your) Chin up!

A Funeral Mass for Marianne was held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. from Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Salihu. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Holy Spirit Parish or Sherbrooke Community Centre.