Margaret Eveline Shein

It is with sadness to announce the peaceful passing of Margaret Shein on Friday, March 25, 2022, after celebrating 105 years of a life on March 6. Sister to Rexford (1923-2000), Joan (1927-2021) and Lyle (1930-1992); Wife of Louis Shein (1914-1989); Mother of four children: Brian (1947-1988), David (1953-2020) and his wife Lorraine, Elizabeth, and Fraser (wife Vivian); Grandmother to four grandchildren: Ivana, Mariah (husband Todd), Hannah, and Francis; and Great-grandmother to recently born Zagreus.

The eldest of four children, Margaret and her siblings grew up in the NDG neighbourhood in Montreal. An out-and-out city girl, she acquired the sartorial elegance of a Montrealer that she maintained throughout her life. However, it would be her schooling at McGill University in Home Economics that would become the hallmark of her life as a supportive wife and mother.

Margaret met Louis Shein as a young man, helping him polish his English as a recent immigrant to Canada. After starting at McGill University, Louis went to the US in 1940 to complete his B.A. at the Presbyterian University of Dubuque, and Margaret followed. This paved the way for Louis’ training as a Presbyterian minister. Margaret and Louis were married in Minneapolis in 1942 and returned to Canada. In Toronto, Louis completed three degrees during 1943-1946 – Bachelor’s of Divinity, M.A. and Ph.D. During this time, Margaret worked as a comptometrist at Price Waterhouse in support of his schooling.

Their travelling streak would continue as Louis worked as a minister in many rural Presbyterian churches in Southern Ontario, most notably in Carleton Place, Woodville, Leaskdale, and Vankoughnet. It was in Woodville where Margaret’s sister, Joan, met her future husband, Alex. As a couple, Louis and Margaret left an indelible mark on the communities they served. The long-time residents in Vankoughnet still have fond memories of the minister and the organist wife. Back then, the rural communities brought the ministry little money, so the wives offered stews and pies to help support the young couple, while the couple reciprocated with spiritual and social sustenance.

They eventually settled in Hamilton when Louis became a minister at St. Cuthbert’s Church. Shortly thereafter he became a professor at McMaster University. There Margaret would make the change to looking after his students instead of the flock. No longer would wives bring her apple pies. During this time, she was also a busy mother of four young children, who were not always little angels.

A long-time member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Margaret has played many other roles. She was a gardener, rug hooker, prolific knitter, cottager, and a voracious reader of Canadian literature and listener of the CBC. It was while cottaging, her children have memories of her cooking and knitting while listening to the CBC. The transistor radio sat in the cottage living room along with the rotary dial phone until the cottage on Wood Lake was sold last year. She was still gardening up till her 100th year.

Margaret is famous for her holiday rolls and cookies. Her son, Fraser, is known among the grandchildren for sneaking her cookies while she is not looking. She is generous and gracious. She was a volunteer at the McMaster Children’s Hospital for over 25 years. She was also a community reviewer of medical student applications at McMaster.

Louis passed away in 1989. Margaret continued to live and drive on her own until the age of 93, when she decided to move into a retirement residence. She moved out on her own again after three years, wanting to maintain her independence, but moved back for her final years.

As a mother, a grandmother, an adventurous and independent woman, feisty until the end, Margaret was an inspiration to us all.

Donations in memory of Margaret can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity or organization of your choice.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 1st, 2022, 12 Noon at

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church

70 James St. S., Hamilton.

Reception in the Church Hall to follow. All are welcome.