MARGARET LILLIAN WILSON (MCMILLAN)

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MARGARET LILLIAN WILSON (nee MCMILLAN) Peacefully with her family at her side, Margaret Lillian, aged 76, passed away on March 12, 2006 at Neepawa Hospital. Margaret was born in Souris, MB on April 3, 1929 to Neil and Mary McMillan. Following her education at Souris High School, she entered the faculty of Home Economics at the University of Manitoba. While at university she met Hartley Wilson whom she married on March 31, 1951. After one year of farming at Deloraine, MB they moved to Oakville where they farmed until 1968. Hartley and Margaret raised four daughters during this time. In 1977 they moved to Saskatoon and lived there until moving to Neepawa in 1981. Margaret resided in Neepawa until her death. Family was very important and Margaret's life centered on supporting her daughters' and many other community and youth activities. Margaret provided leadership in Guiding, 4-H, church camps and Canadian Girls in Training. Involvement with youth was always a priority and Margaret contributed in many ways - chaperoning 4-H trips, directing camps, District 4-H Council, and many other events with the CGIT girls and figure skating club to mention a few. Music was an integral part of Margaret's whole life from singing in music festivals as a teenager, singing in the U of M Glee Club and with the Carillon Singers to directing and participating in church choirs. She directed both school choirs and the Junior Choir at Knox United, Oakville as well as providing music leadership whenever she was asked. She had a special way of motivating and encouraging choir members, young and old, to participate. Margaret's faith was the foundation of her life. This provided strength to her in her battle with cancer in 1972 and with her ongoing health issues. Margaret always endeavoured to live out her faith. She was involved in UCW, church choirs, United Church Presbytery, church boards and committees and attended General Council on two occasions. Margaret was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Hartley, in December of 2005. Hartley and Margaret would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on March 31, 2006. Margaret will be lovingly remembered by her four daughters: Cathy (Doug) Vanstone, Colleen (Bill) Jury, Christine (Harvey) Davidson and Cherry Ann (Doug) Chandler. She had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren: Darryl (Tracy) and Hartley (Emily) Vanstone; Curtis (Kyoko), Casey (Heather) and Charlie Jury; Maggie and Sam Davidson as well as five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her three brothers: Jack, Bill and Bob (Elaine) McMillan, sister-in-law Gwen Parker, brother-in-law Arthur and Helen Wilson and many, nieces, nephews and special friends. Funeral service was held on March 16, 2006 in Neepawa United Church with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Urn bearers were Darryl Vanstone and Curtis Jury. The seven grandchildren paid tribute to their Gram in letters of remembrance. Special music was provided by Maggie Davidson, June Thompson, David Wilson and the Neepawa United Church choir. The committal of Margaret and Hartley's cremains followed at Oakville Cemetery. Mom's legacy to us is her commitment to family, friends and community striving for your best in all that you do. We will miss your enjoyment of life and creative spirit. Rest in peace, Mom. Love from your four daughters. WHITE'S FUNERAL HOME, Neepawa, in care of arrangements. 476-2848.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2006