MARGARET HORNBECK

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MARGARET HORNBECK March 18, 1914 - January 15, 2008 In the evening of Tuesday, January 15, Margaret passed away, as her daughter, Fay, held her hand. Margaret was predeceased by George, her husband and life partner of 65 years, who passed away on June 13, 2004. Our Mother was born in Balmoral, Manitoba, the seventh and last surviving child of eleven children born to Norwegian immigrants, Hans and Othelia Jacobson. Margaret completed high school and was an exceptional student in French and English. She also loved music; she danced, sang, and played the piano, accordion, and violin. On September 9, 1939, Margaret married George Hornbeck and they made Winnipeg their home. Over the years they had five children: Carol, Fay, Donna, Marc, and Dale. At the end of the Second World War, Margaret welcomed home her seven brothers and two brothers-in-law and provided many meals and lodging for the boys and their families. Our Mom was a great cook and generously hosted dinners for friends and family well into her 80s. Christmas dinner was a special treat, as anyone who has tasted her roast turkey and Christmas baking will tell you. She was loved by her many nieces and nephews who remember her as the heart and soul of so many family get-togethers. Mom was intelligent and had a sharp wit, traits she exhibited to the end of her life. No one could tell a story like she could. Her practicality, wisdom, and always-available listening ear made for many conversations around the kitchen table. Our Mom and Dad made a great couple, especially at the lake, where he did the hunting and fishing, and she did the preparation and cooking. He knew how lucky he was and never tired of saying so. Some of their happiest times were spent at George Lake, Betula Lake, and Lake of the Woods with their children and their families. Their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren will treasure forever the time spent with Gram and Grandpa. Left to remember, with love and gratitude, her courage, perseverance, indomitable spirit, creative intelligence, and capacity for hard work are her children: Victoria-Carol Halligan (George, deceased), Fay Townsend (Dennis, deceased), Vancouver - Donna Stewart (Pat), Marc Hornbeck (Louise), Dale Hornbeck (Monica), and all of their children and their families: Terry, Marina, Liam and Ailis; Karen; Tanis, Marko, Max, and baby due in April; Christine, Connor and Robyn; Cameron, Mack, Alex and Jacq; Glenn, Hillary, Nicholas, Marcus and Paige; Dawn, Andy, Matthew and Nicole; Tracey, Amanda and Tessa; Danny; Daniel and Madison. We are grateful, Mom, that you were such a wonderful role model to your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Margaret is also survived by her sister-in-law, Belle Helander (Vancouver) and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Hewitt and Phyll Hornbeck (Swan River). (Mom always loved your letters Uncle Hewitt and Aunt Phyll), and her dear friend, Anne Eby. The empty space our Mom leaves in so many hearts cannot be filled, except by the memories and love she gave us. We were truly blessed. A celebration of Margaret's life will be held on January 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Private interment prior to service. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2008