MARGARET BUCHANAN WHARRIE

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MARGARET BUCHANAN WHARRIE On Thursday, December 8, 2005, Margaret Buchanan Wharrie quietly passed away at her home on Robin's Way in Misericordia Place. It was in their tender care that she had resided for the last four and one half years of her life. Margaret was born in Scotland on July 26, 1912. At a young age she moved with her parents to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. It was at Linwood School in Winnipeg that she began a lifelong friendship with Florence (Comberbach) Casson. During the Second World War Margaret served her city as a conductor on Winnipeg's streetcars - always enjoying the interesting conversations with her passengers. Eventually her career (and love of books) led her to work downtown in the T. Eaton's Book Department. A member of St. James United Church, Margaret happily became their Church Secretary until she was hired as Administrator of McClure Place. She retired from that position on February 13, 1987. In 1968, Margaret, the great organizer, avid reader and lover of music, founded The Senior Citizens' Choir of Winnipeg Inc. She always looked forward to attending their many concerts around the city. Under her guidance, similar choirs in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria were initiated. Every two years these choirs gathered to perform in a combined Gala Concert thanks to Margaret's organizational abilities. Her pride in the choirs and all of their members was apparent in every conversation. Car trips out to the Minaker family farm in Rosser, MB with friends, Emily Fitzpatrick, Kathleen Poole, the Pooles and the Harveys were always a special time for Margaret. She also enjoyed numerous daily trips to her favourite 'Tea House' (Tim Horton's) to enjoy the banter with staff and other Wolseley retirees. Her most memorable trip was to Scotland with good friends Dorothy and Bill Atkinson. During the years she lived in St. James, Margaret was able to enjoy a self-constructed greenhouse. In her leisure time she also enjoyed playing golf and baseball. Predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Margaret will be lovingly remembered by family and many friends. A special thanks to Audrey Jones for her faithful visitations during these last few years. In accordance with Margaret's wishes her body has been donated to science. A memorial service will be held in McClure United Church (533 Greenwood Place, Winnipeg) on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Lower Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret's name to the Senior Citizens' Choir of Winnipeg Inc., in care of Mr. D. Mitchell, 315 Cordova St., Winnipeg, MB R3N 1A5, or to the Anatomical Research Fund, in care of the University of Manitoba Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre (attention: Roberta), 730 William Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2006