Winifred Margaret McTaggart

Psalm 91 v14-16 (Winifred’s favourite verse)

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

For more than 100 years, Winifred McTaggart graced our lives and left a remarkable impression on all who had the pleasure to know her. Despite her considerable struggles, she never ceased praising God, loving her family and friends, and living with humility and gratitude every day.

Born a twin in Toronto on July 25, 1923 to Annie and James Wright and older sister Audrey, Wynn sadly lost her twin sister at birth. On March 13, 1945, Wynn married her high-school sweetheart John Arthur (Jack) Ryan. They first lived in a cramped, 1-room apartment in Toronto, but Jack had bigger dreams for his family. Jack was transferred to Ottawa and together they purchased land to build their dream home. Now with a toddler (Robert) and newborn (Lynda), Wynn courageously braved exposure to the Ontario wilds, living in a tent with a distant outhouse while her husband laboriously built their new home - board by board, paycheque by paycheque.

Tragically, Jack died in a test flight for the Canadian Air Force on Valentines Day, 1951. He was a highly decorated Captain who was greatly honoured for his many sacrifices for his country – both in peacetime and in battle. But Wynn’s battles were only beginning - newly widowed with a young family and unfinished home, she had to dig deep to find the strength to continue.

Through friends in the Air Force, Wynn was introduced to Hugh McTaggart, an Officer in the Air Force. Hugh had recently lost his spouse, Margot, and had a son of his own – William (Bill). After a short courtship, the two families joined in 1954 and moved to Lincon Park, Ontario. Despite the stress of a new job, new home, and new relations (or maybe because of it), they grew to become a close family. Hugh was briefly transferred to Calgary then Cold Lake, Alberta which turned out to be a great move for the kids. There were so many things to do for the kids – all manner of sports and outdoor activities. Wynn joined curling and immediately became active within the community church while Hugh enjoyed the hunting and fishing. They felt it was such a great place to raise teenagers, Wynn had Hugh sign up for another “term” when his three years were up.

In 1965, Hugh was transferred to Kamloops where they would finally stay. Wynn picked up a job at the local Veterinary Hospital and, being the daughter of a minister, both her and Hugh became very active within the Presbyterian Church. She also joined the Ladies Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital and became very active in their Thrift Shop downtown. In retirement, Wynn and Hugh loved to travel. They often cruised or went to New Zealand or enjoyed the “snowbird” life, heading South in the winter in their motorhome. Eventually, Hugh’s health declined, and he was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease which ended their travels. Hugh sadly passed August 2002 due to complications with his health. Wynn continued with some traveling with friends and family, then eventually moved to the Renaissance Assisted Living residence to enjoy some well-deserved comfort.

Wynn was known for her indominable spirit yet endless compassion. She always spoke honestly but kindly. Wynn was also deeply devoted to her faith and her community. Both her and Hugh were Elders in their church and diligent in their study and practice. But more than anything, they truly lived out their faith – showing love and compassion and generosity to everyone they met. Wynn and Hugh would regularly find those in need and give whatever was needed – rides, a meal, or even a place to stay. And though she was proud to acknowledge her Scottish heritage as a source of her self-professed thriftiness, Wynn was nevertheless boundless in her generosity… though she would sheepishly “indulge” in getting her hair professionally done on a regular basis.

Her family was always first and foremost and she loved them all. She not only cared for her 3 children and husband, but also two Mother-in-Laws - Jack’s mother (Holly) as well as Hugh’s mother (Nann) – all under the same roof. This led to some interesting tensions to say the least. As the years passed, and her family grew, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were an integral part of their lives. As the Grandkids themselves became adults, they all continued deep connections with Grandma McTaggart. Despite any distance, they and their partners - Steve, Lisa (Sean), Shivonne (Andy), Kevin (Michelle), Kyle (Breanne), and Kelly (Justin) - they all felt drawn to visit and stay in touch frequently. She was always excited to learn ever new detail of her Great Grandchildren too – Danie; Teagan, Faith, Taeya and Jayden; Emily, Grace and Bennett; Oliver; Elizabeth and Charlotte; Mya and Owen. And with the joys of family came sadness as well. The loss of her son Bill and Grandson Steve were both tragic events that she bore heavily with the other losses she endured.

Wynn’s health and physical strength began to fade in December 2022. Though she struggled, she never complained, instead showing immense gratitude everything she was blessed with. She was moved to Ridgeview Lodge Long-Term Care facility where she spent her remaining days. Despite her weak legs, she was well-known for her determination to “escape” from her bed multiple times a day. She celebrated her 100th Birthday in July with family and friends in the facility. She was rarely alone, with daily visits from her daughter Lynda and husband Roy, and Granddaughter Shivonne, as well as a steady stream of visits from her son Rob and wife Linda, her son Bill’s wife Jenn, and all Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She passed peacefully on October 13, 2023 after a day of visiting with family.

Wynn’s life embodied the daily struggle to find courage and gratitude, despite the pains we endure. Her strength forged a foundation for her beautiful family and her love extended well beyond to everyone she met. She was granted her salvation and long life and is now resting with God. Those of us who remain, continue to love her, honour her, and miss her dearly.