Obit - BARNSLEY Margaret
BARNSLEY Margaret March 14, 1909 - May 16, 2009 Margaret passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg on May 16. On March 14, we celebrated Mom's much anticipated 100th birthday. Surrounded by many generations of family, she was in top form and only regretted that the party ended too early. Mom grew up in Winnipeg in the wonderful Hamilton family and at an early age developed her pattern of acquiring lifelong friends like Marge Meers (and later, Marge's niece Sandy Hawkins and family). It was while working as executive secretary to the Director of Taxation that Mom met Reg through his sister Ethel. Normally a reserved man, Reg made an exception when it came to Margaret, whisking her off to New York to be married; she remained the love of his life. Their love was eventually extended with the late arrivals of children Eleanor and Joe; Margaret and Reg were wonderful parents! Mom dove into motherhood with devotion, while still finding time to volunteer in church and hospital guilds, art organizations and serving as president of the Antique Arts Club. Margaret and Reg retired to Victoria in 1964 where Mom enjoyed new friends and renewed contacts with Barnsley nieces and nephews, Joe Ray and Irene Barnsley, Doris Barnsley, and Grace and Neil Stewart and their extended family, whose lifelong devotion to mom was much appreciated. How Mom enjoyed those hours of baking for the church, her friends in the Morning Belles, visits to the lake, and Silver Star holidays! Mom and Dad made almost weekly excursions from Victoria to Vancouver to visit Ely, husband David Riddell and especially grandchildren Shannon and Scott. This led to their moving to Vancouver where they lived a short.. and frequent.. walk to Ely's home. Many happy hours passed on the porch and in the garden there. Among the greatest pleasures in Mom's life were her grandchildren, Kim, Jorme, and Kelly (Joe), and Shannon and Scott (Ely), and her great-grandchildren Sophie (Kim and Philip), Naia and Georgia (Shannon and Dan). Mom's latter years in Vancouver were spent at Arbutus Manor where she engaged in bridge, crib, bingo and knitting and hours of visiting with her wonderful friends there, activities that she continued in her last few years living at the Waverley in Winnipeg until mere months before her death. During her recent time in Winnipeg Mom enjoyed being close to family; Joe and Karen's Sunday night pizza and wine with Elsie and Mom is a tradition that will be missed. Her last few months in hospital were brightened and enriched by Joe's daily visits. Mom was especially happy to be with her siblings, Ruby and Bill (Minnie) and extended family. Sincere thanks to everyone who knew, helped, and loved Mom throughout the 100 years, two months, and two days of her beautiful life. A family internment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please plant a flower in Mom's memory and/or consider a donation to your local Humane Society.
(British Columbia, Canada)