Our dear mother and grandmother Margaret (Margy) died at home in her 99th year. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim in 2002. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Jack Gillis, who was killed in World War II, and by her sisters, Mary and Phyllis, and her brother, Frank. She is lovingly remembered by her family: daughters, Susan (Roland) and Elizabeth (John), her grandson, Duncan (Carrie), and her granddaughter, Genie (Will), as well as several nieces and nephews.
Margaret was born and raised in Edmonton. Although her family was not well off, she had a happy early childhood. She was a good student and loved reading, ice-skating and music. Sadly, her father died when she was a teenager. In her typically resolute way, Margaret decided to leave school and get a job to help support the family. She married Jack in 1942 - they had met singing together in the church choir. After his tragic death two years later, Margaret moved to Vancouver to be with her mother and sister. There she worked for the Wartime Prices and Trade Board in the Marine building. She regularly shared her walks to work through the West End with a man from the same apartment building, whose name she didn't learn for six months. This man, Jim, would eventually become her husband. They were married in 1948 and continued to walk side by side through life for 53 happy years.
Margaret was a woman of many accomplishments. She created a warm and welcoming home and friends and family loved coming over for dinner. She volunteered in many capacities: typing Braille, chairing the board of Gordon Neighbourhood House, canvassing for charities, and volunteering at the UBC psychiatric hospital. Margaret always sought out new opportunities to learn and improve herself. As an adult she took piano lessons (including Royal Conservatory exams), became an accomplished bridge player and, at the age of 50, enrolled as a mature student at UBC and eventually completed a degree in French Literature with first class standing.
Margaret was remarkably stylish and always elegantly dressed, and she maintained her style and poise even as she grew older. All her life she pursued a variety of interests: reading broadly, keeping current with politics and sports, honing her skills in bridge and bowling, tending her garden - especially her beautiful roses, and keeping up with her French. A passionate music lover, she attended the Vancouver Opera for over 30 years and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for over 60 years.
Margaret was a woman of quiet determination and strong character. She was devoted to her family and friends, and adored her grandchildren. She was wise, gracious, elegant, caring and kind, and we will miss her.
We would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to her extraordinary caregivers: Suzana, Marlo, Lits and especially Fely. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff at the West 10th Medical Clinic, Dr. David Smith for his kind support in her final days, and Dr. Stephen Roberts for his exceptional care over many years.
A memorial service will be held at St Helen’s Anglican Church, 4405 West 8th Ave., Vancouver on Friday, May 25 at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Cross, or a charity of your choice.
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