MARGARET OLOF PEKARY (OLAFSON)

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MARGARET OLOF PEKARY (nee OLAFSON) December 14, 1920 - June 2, 2008 Following a brief struggle with leukemia, Mom has left us, peacefully in her sleep, to join her beloved soulmate, David, who died a year ago. She is survived by daughter Lynne (Wain) Sinclair of Anola; son David Pekary and wife Mary Hagerman, grandchildren Madeline and James of Ottawa. She is also survived by a sister, Grace Love (Elliott) and family in North Vancouver and an uncle, Harold Olafson in Victoria. Margaret lost her mother at age four; her younger sister was adopted by a loving family (H.S. Bardal) and Margaret was cared for temporarily by another loving family (A.S. Bardal) until her father could arrange to manage her care himself. Margaret's teenage years were spent in Lundar and Oak Point with her maternal aunt Sigridur (Saemundson) Arnason. She was fiercely proud of her Icelandic heritage and always felt a deep connection to the Icelandic community which embraced her upon the loss of her mother. She fondly recalled summers spent at Gimli with extended family and friends. She spent many hours doing genealogical research and recounting stories to be passed on to her grandchildren. After studies at Success Commercial College, Margaret pursued a secretarial career. While working at the University of Manitoba Bookstore, she met the love of her life, David. Shortly after he accepted a job in Yellowknife, she joined him and they married. Daughter Lynne was born during their two-year stay in the North. There were rockier roads ahead. Margaret contracted tuberculosis in 1952, necessitating confinement at Ninette Sanitorium for 18 months. She fought to recover and be re-united with her loved ones. A few years later she was blessed with son David. Margaret worked various stints at Eaton's over the years, and later assisted her spouse with his own business, Apex Rubber before retiring. But she considered it her most important Life's work to provide a loving home and good education for her family. She loved collecting and trying new recipes; she was an excellent seamstress and sewed clothing for everyone in the family. She has left beautifully crafted handwork for her family to treasure, through her knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. For her last few months Mom resided at Eastgate Lodge in Beausejour, where she was given the most excellent care. The family is grateful to all the staff at Eastgate for their compassion and kindness, with special thanks to Dr. Van Rensburg, Donna Dickey and her staff on Rose Unit, and Heather Godri and Donna Regula from the Adult Day Program. Funeral service and reception will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 24 at the Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., St. James, with interment preceding at 10:00 a.m. at Brookside Cemetery. Goda nott, Mamma minn NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2008