June 15, 1930 – June 24, 2011
“Margaret, 'mum' and grandma” passed away peacefully with family by her
side on Friday June 24th at Glacier View Lodge. She is predeceased by
Parents: Hugh & Isabella McGifford; Siblings: Betty Hannah, Isabel Brown,
Allan McGifford, Jean Williams, William McGifford & Ed McGifford. She
is survived by: Husband of 54 years, Lawrence Burns; Daughters: Darlaine
Jantzen (Burl) & Heather Burns; Grandchildren: Rachel Jantzen, Stuart
Jantzen (Rebecca), Johanna Jantzen & Erick Jantzen; Siblings: Helen
Bergen, Mary Larson & John McGifford.
Margaret was born in Simpson, Saskatchewan on June 15, 1930 with twin sister Mary, but soon after
the family moved to Davidson, Saskatchewan. Margaret's early education was in a “one-room school
house”. She moved to Penticton, BC in 1945 with family and commenced her employed years there.
She was transferred to Victoria for a short period of time and then back to Penticton until 1954 when
she was transferred to Courtenay with U.I.C. as a “Woman’s Placement Officer”, and eventually
worked as a Records Librarian at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was married to Lawrence Burns on
April 20, 1957, raised her two daughters, Darlaine & Heather, and lived the remainder of her life in the
Comox Valley.
As a wife and “help-mate” to Lawrence, she was a faithful mother and homemaker, demonstrated in
her countless hours spent in her garden and home, kept meticulously. Her hospitality offered years of
an open door and welcome to her family's friends, co-workers and associates (with cookies and cakes
always ready to serve). Her philosophy of “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” was carried out to its
fullest. Her love of and talents in music were outstanding; willingly serving the Lord as organ and
piano accompanist throughout the district in various churches, weddings, funerals and care homes. As
a “Fire-Chief's Wife” she volunteered all her talents and work skills around the Fire Hall office, and she
was loved and appreciated by that community. After several years of declining health, she moved into
Glacier View Lodge in December 2009.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Special Care Unit at Glacier View Lodge and the ER
medical staff at St. Joseph's hospital for their wonderful care of “mum”. A private family burial took
place on June 29, 2011 at Courtenay Civic Cemetery. The Community Memorial Service will take
place on Monday, July 25, 2011 at Courtenay Baptist Church at 1:00pm. All are welcome.
If desired, donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the “Gideons Memorial Bible Plan” or to
“Glacier View Lodge”.
Arrangements under the direction of Piercy's-Mt. Washington Funeral Home, Courtenay, BC.
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