It is with mixture of sadness and admiration that we announce the death of Margaret Flinn, daughter of Michael and Grace(Purcell) McGrath, on March 2, 2019, just months after her 101st birthday celebrated on Jan 9, 2019. Sadness at the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Admiration at a long life well-lived. Margaret died peacefully surrounded by family. She and her dashing husband George moved into their home on Oxford St. as newlyweds, more than 70years. Ago.She remained in her home as she had wished. They raised four children together in that home, and over time welcomed their future children-in-law, grandchildren and great grand-children The annual assembly of her family on Boxing Day eventually grew to the point at which the walls could no longer accommodate the group. What a bittersweet notion it must have been for her to concede that the love she had planted had outgrown the pot.
Margaret cherished her time with her family. Known as Nanny by so many, she was predeceased by her husband George, and two beloved sons, Roger and Christopher, and infant daughter Anna Elizabeth. She is survived by her two daughters, Beverley Scott (Gary) and Pamela Townsend (Gordie), daughters-in-law Faye Flinn and Coleen Flinn, grand-children Craig, Jason, Jennifer, Jacqueline, Stephanie, Ryan, Sean, Lindsay, Jonathan and Kathryn, their spouses and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Nanny lost her mother at an early age, and was raised by her maternal grandparents. Coming of age in the heart of the great depression, instilled in her a work ethic that inspired those around her. She was 100 years old the last time she went apple picking in the Valley and when she remarked that she had seen one she wanted, high up in the tree, her great-grandson knew that his mission was not to climb the tree but to hold the ladder.
She loved to work with her hands, knitting, sewing, smocking, and baking, and relished imparting those skills upon her family. She enjoyed swimming, playing the piano, and travelling. When she fulfilled her dream of kissing the Blarney Stone she was in her 90th year. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Theresa’s Parish.
So much has changed in the world over the last century, and Nanny lived through it all. There can be no doubt though that amid all the wonders of that incredible span of history , Nanny’s final thoughts were of the simple, happy times with her family; the first visits with a new baby, quiet conversations with her grandchildren on her veranda, the look of gratitude in her family’s eyes as she bestowed Barbie clothes and baby sweaters she had tirelessly knitted, celebrating her children and grandchildren’s births, graduations, marriages and achievements. That was the history that mattered to her. She will be remembered for her mastery of tea brewing, seemingly endless supply of cookies, and resilience of spirit. She will be sorely missed.
Visitation will take place on Thurs. March 7, 6-8pm at J.A.Snow Funeral Home. 339 Lacewood Dr. Hfx. Funeral Mass will take place on Fri. March 8 at 11am at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6351 North Street, Halifax. Memorial Donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com
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