Margaret was born on the family farm in Blumenort, Manitoba, the 7th of 13 children born to Aron R. and Margaretha L Reimer. She was raised in a home rich in faith and grounded in God’s Word. She was baptised at the age of 16, committing to her own faithful journey with God.
Margaret and Nick A. Dueck were married on Sept. 10, 1939. They lived in Morris, Manitoba for three years before moving to New Bothwell, where they farmed for 17 years. As their family grew, Mom and Dad led by example in hard work and commitment to God. They shared a deep desire to serve and to show God’s love to those around them that did not know Him. As the children grew up they were encouraged to participate, sharing God’s love through the gift of music. There was lots of music, voices and instruments, in the home, which brought Mom great joy.
Christmas of 1960 saw the family moving to Arden, Manitoba where they worked at mixed farming and served in a new church plant, teaching Sunday School, leading singing, etc. While there, the family made regular trips to the hospital in Neepawa on Sunday evenings to sing hymns in the corridors.
In 1966 the family moved to Parkhill, Ontario where Mom and Dad were house parents in a group home for troubled boys. In Dec. 1968 they bought a home in town. On Jan. 21, 1969 Dad passed away and Mom found herself a 50 year old widow with 8 children. She found her strength in God as she worked the night shift so she could be with her children during the day.
In 1972, when the older children were out on their own, Margaret moved with the youngest two to Chilliwack, B.C. where she worked in the hospital as a private duty nurse. In Sept. 1973 she moved to Three Hills, Alberta to work at Prairie Bible Institute as a Matron in the Retirement Home. She held this job for 10 years until her retirement.
Margaret always had a heart for missions and she was delighted to find God leading her to short term missions. She made 10 short term trips to Ireland over the next 12 years to serve at a Bible Correspondence School there.
On Aug. 31, 1996 Margaret married Peter Barkman, at which time her family doubled to 16 children. More love, more music, more travel. Margaret and Pete shared 10 years together, rich with love and joy. After Pete’s passing on Nov. 2, 2006, Margaret moved back to B.C. to the milder climate.
Throughout her life, Mom was a faithful prayer warrior holding each precious child, grandchild and great-grandchild before the throne of grace regularly. As her children grew up and left home she continued to support, encourage, guide and challenge each one to follow faithfully the God she loved.
Even as we, her children, grieve her passing we also celebrate her life.
Her children: Harold & Karen, Alice (deceased 2013) & Jim, Abe & Vicki, Elfrieda & Ken, Len & Jan, Ray & Robyn, Anne & Robert, Don & Theresa.
Her Grandchildren: Becky, Shelley & Jack, Terry & Nancy, Bob, Jason, Jodi, Jen & Mike, Carla & Graham, Jeff & Janine, Joy & David, John & Stephanie, Ami & Jared, Shane & Chantal, Andrew & Olivia, Lindsay & Geoff, Jonathan & Alissa, Rachel, and Aaron.
And 43 Great-Grandchildren
Her children through second marriage:
LeRoy (deceased 2012) & Marcella, Margaret, Rebecca & Jim, John & Janice, Sharon (deceased 2013) & Gary, Judy & Erwin, Delores & Murray, Dwayne & Candy, 18 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, her brother Emil & Tina Reimer, her sister Martha & Ed Reimer, her sister-in-law Sara Reimer, her sister-in-law Margaret Dueck, and her brother-in-law Lloyd Davies, and many nieces and nephews.
Many family gatherings ended with all of us in a circle holding hands, singing.
The Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures, here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
‘Til we meet again Mom, we honor you with grateful hearts. May God find us faithful.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18