Jean Murnick

Jean Murnick of Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, passed away, at the age of 81, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, with family by her side. Adored wife of the late Frank Murnick, beloved mother of Susan Murnick of Kerrobert, SK and Richard (Saara) Murnick of Cranberry Portage, and doting grandmother of Karel Geresse (and his children Theron, Erianna and Freya Blunt), Sairagh Vincent (Carter Healey), Jenna-Lee (and her daughter Ophelia) Vincent, and Emma Murnick. She was also honourary grandma to Saara's sons, Alex and Jacob Harvie.

Born in Joliet, Illinois on Feb. 21, 1941, Jean (Jeanette Edna) was the only child of Sigurd Erik and Marjorie Eunice (née Jones) Johnson. She married the love of her life, Frank (Francis Eugene) Murnick in "the Summer of Love", 1967.

In 1972, Frank and Jean, along with Frank's brother George, and Jean's mom, Marjorie, moved to Cranberry Portage, when they bought Tonapah Lodge. They ran the successful hunting and fishing lodge for over 30 years.

In 1978, their family grew, when they adopted siblings, Susan and Richard. They did their best to give their kids a great upbringing filled with a variety of activities and lots of love.

Although Frank looked after the outdoor portion of running the lodge, and worked at bringing in more guests, Jean maintained the day-to-day operations, while also cooking at the local high school cafeteria, and doing hair, on the side.

In 1984, Jean and a friend, took a bus tour to Memphis. As a lifelong Elvis fan, it was a highlight of her life to see Graceland. She saved every ticket stub and took pictures of everything. When she returned home, those mementos and photos were all meticulously stored in a photo album.

After the lodge shuttered its doors, she took great joy in singing with the Flin Flon Community Choir, and helping to lead the worship at the local Catholic Church. She stayed very involved with her church, and her community, volunteering her time to innumerable funeral luncheons, baby showers, and anything else asked of her.

Frank passed away in 2011, shortly after the lodge sold, and Jean became more involved in the Cranberry Portage Seniors' group, endeavouring to never miss a meeting. She kept up with an extensive group of friends and family throughout North America with letters and on Facebook.

Jean was always willing to help by sharing her time and resources, or a listening ear. Many people confided in her, and used her shoulder to cry on. She was fiercely independent and loyal, sweet and tough. She will forever be loved and terribly missed by her family and many close friends.

A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:00 pm in Cranberry Portage, with Rev. Paul Bringleson presiding. Scripture readings were proclaimed by Carolyn Gibbons. Memories of Jean were delivered by June Haybittle.

As it was her wish, Cremation Rites have been accorded. Private inurnment will take place at the Cranberry Portage cemetery, at a later date.

If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made to the Flin Flon/Creighton & Area S.P.C.A., P.O. Box 863, Flin Flon, Manitoba, R8A 1N6.