Passages
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Led with gentle direction

Whether it was helping women build businesses in rural Tunisia, leading homeless and addiction support organizations or delivering meals to vulnerable Manitobans, Marla Somersall spent her life dedicated to lessening other people’s suffering.

Over a career that took her from North Africa to Prince Edward Island and back to Manitoba, Somersall held leadership roles in a range of social service and non-profit organizations, always drawn to work that centred on supporting people in need.

Marla Somersall with Smitty, the cat who chose her at the PEI Humane Society. (Supplied)

Marla Somersall with Smitty, the cat who chose her at the PEI Humane Society. (Supplied)

Most recently, she served as executive director of Meals on Wheels Winnipeg — a non-profit organization that provides meals to people who are unable to prepare them for themselves.

Kelly Scrivener, client co-ordinator with Meals on Wheels, said Somersall was a very calm and respectful person who led with gentle direction and fostered a collaborative workplace.

“She was a really positive, wonderful human being who really cared about the community and cared about vulnerable people in the community,” Scrivener said. “And I think that came through in everything she did.”

Read more about Marla in our weekly A Life’s Story feature.

 

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How They Lived

Read about the lives of great Winnipeggers and Manitobans on our Passages website.

Until next week, may you continue to write your own life’s story.

 

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