MARGARET JEAN MACDONALD (MACMILLAN)

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MARGARET JEAN MACDONALD (nee MACMILLAN) It is with deep sorrow and great regret that we announce the passing of our devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Jean MacDonald on September, 10, 2007 at Seven Oaks Hospital. Mom was surrounded by family and encircled in love at the time of her death. Mom was born in Montreal on March 10, 1923. She grew-up in a home filled with music, joy, love and gentle caring, which was evident in the way she lived her life. In 1944 that joy and passion for life dazzled a young handsome airman on a 48 hour leave, and it was love at first sight. That love grew and the rest they say is history. Mom and Dad were married on October 6, 1945, and moved to Brandon to start their life together. In 1951, Mom and Dad moved to Rivercrest with their first born daughter, Carol, and purchased their first and only home. They had two more daughters, Lois and Cheryl, to complete their family. As both Mom and Dad had moved far away from their own families, the folks in Rivercrest became their new extended family. Mom was very active in the community and Rivercrest United Church formed an integral part of her life. She taught Sunday School for many years, ensuring we all knew the words to God Sees a Little Sparrow Fall and was treasurer for her UCW for over 50 years. She also spent 18 years volunteering at The Middlechurch Home gift shop and further helped her community by delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly. Mom loved to knit and over the years we were never short of mittens. At the time of her passing she had several knitted items completed and ready for her church's Jessie Tree. Mom looked forward to getting well again to continue doing the things she loved; balancing the UCW books, preparing for Mom's Pantry, volunteering at the gift shop, shopping with her daughter's, gardening, knitting, and especially, caring for Dad. Her new passport had just arrived in the mail, and she was eager to try it out. With the loving care and concern of her daughters, she fought a valiant struggle to regain her health, however, the Lord saw her getting tired and called her home. Mom was our pillar of strength and held us together through times of need; her keen sense of humour lifted our spirits during those painful and difficult days in hospital. Mom was predeceased by her parents Myrtle and William MacMillan, her sister Dorothy, her brother Bill, and most recently her dear friend Jean Richardson. Dad, her loving husband of almost 62 years, is devastated by her passing. She will be profoundly missed by her daughters Carol Nuernberger (Gunter) of Victoria, Lois Glover (Bruce Greenhill), Cheryl Matwichuk (Rich) both of Winnipeg. Her death creates a large void in the lives of her grandchildren Kimberley (Michael Bourgeois), Karen, Adam, Nathan, Melanie, Steven (Jen Delos Reyes) and Jennifer (Bill Kocsis). The latest addition to her family, Karolyn Bourgeois will never know how good a hug felt from her Great-Gramma. She is also mourned by her brother Jim (Helen) from Mississauga, brother-in-law Bill Gibson (Del), numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St., (338-7111). Reverend Bob Galston will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Rich and Steven Matwichuk, Adam and Nathan Glover, Bruce Greenhill, and David McPherson. Honorary pallbearers include Jim MacMillan, Bill Gibson, Gunter Nuernberger, and all others who were touched by Mom's kindness and generosity. Since Mom loved flowers, they are most welcome. Donations in Mom's memory may be made to Rivercrest United Church. Your pain is now 0 out of 10 Mom, so have fun, and enjoy your next destination. Don't forget your passport! Love you forever. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2007