MARGARET GINGRAS (DALEY)

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MARGARET GINGRAS (nee DALEY) Peacefully on March 11, 2008 Margaret Agnes Gingras (nee Daley) passed away at Seven Oaks General Hospital after a brief illness with family at her side. Margaret was born in 1914 in Winnipeg. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Charlie in 2004, and brothers and sister George, Tom, Garnet and Helena. Left to cherish her memory are daughters Margo (Andy) Kiazyk and daughter Alycia, Rita (Larry) and sons Greg and Trevor. Along with the immediate family she is survived by several sister-in-laws and nieces and nephews in both the Daley and Gingras families. Margaret attended St. Mary's Academy and graduated from St. Mary's College in 1933. She pursued a teaching career and taught in Lac Du Bonnet before joining The Winnipeg School Division. Among the schools she taught at were Earl Grey, Vice-Principal at Cecil Rhodes and Resource Teacher at Montrose School and Clifton School. She retired from her teaching career in 1978. Her passion for teaching continued for many years after with her weekly Bible Study groups. She was a life member of St. Mary's Academy Alumni and The Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba. She was a member of the Retired Women Teachers Association, the Catholic Women's League, The Confederation of University Women, St. Anthony's Guild New Jersey USA and The University Women's Club of Winnipeg. Through her involvement with the U.W.C. she thoroughly enjoyed the friendship she shared with her friends from the Thursday afternoon Handicraft group, especially Marjory McLean who drove her every week. Margaret was a devout founding member of St. Thomas More parish. She was generous of her time and spent countless hours volunteering with the church in all capacities. She led a Bible Study Group for many years and loved the word of God. A highlight of her life was a trip to the Holy Land with her friends Jim and Monica Dangerfield. She thought of the church community of St. Thomas More as her family. We all remember the good times enjoyed with the families - Dangerfield, Browning, Rackham, Wehrle, Weiss, McGibbon, Tardi, and many more. Margaret and Charlie's summers were spent with Jerry and Lorraine O'Sullivan and Bernard and Lil Gingras and their families at the summer cottage at Grand Marais, Manitoba. She loved to walk and enjoy the nature around her at the beach. Mom and Dad were avid bird watchers. Her many hobbies included sewing, knitting, needlepoint, music, reading, and entertaining. She was a wonderful hostess. She played basketball and hockey in her youth and played tennis until her 70's. She picked up cross-country skiing at the age of 65. Many will remember her and Charlie square dancing at the local community club. An avid supporter of the Arts she attended Manitoba Opera, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Margaret loved her family and cherished the wonderful times she spent teaching and sharing her knowledge with us. She was very interested in her grandchildren's education and activities and followed with interest soccer and volleyball games, dance recitals and choral performances. She also developed a love of Labrador Retrievers through the world of dog shows the family participated in. Margaret had a special fondness for Greg's Lab Tikkanen. Prayers will be said for Margaret on Sunday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel and Mass of Christian Burial presided by Fr. Lucien Roy on Monday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church, 66 Birchdale Ave. with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 4000 Portage Avenue. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks, gratitude and love to Fran Weiss for her unfailing devotion, compassion and friendship over the years. We would especially like to thank Dr. R. Sokolies and the nurses Jeanette, Connie, Jonathan and Lori and aides Ed and Jennifer B. from 4 Unit 3 Seven Oaks General Hospital. For their kindness and care during her brief stay. You were a great comfort to Margaret and to us. In addition we would like to express our thanks to Dr. Brent Kvern and the rest of the caring Family Medical Centre staff for their care of Margaret over the many years. Our thanks go out to our family and friends for their love and support and prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Margaret to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St. Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or The Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3 For all those times you supported us with Unconditional love. For every tender word of encouragement given. For your endless patience, compassion and compromise. For your faith in us. For the warmth and enthusiasm you brought to life. For each tear you wiped away. For all the laughter shared. For every wish you made come true. For believing no dream was ever out of reach. We will be forever thankful... Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.desjardins-funeral.ca. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2008