MARGUERITE LILLIAN DAGG (PHELPS)

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MARGUERITE LILLIAN DAGG (nee PHELPS) It is with profound sadness that the family of Marguerite Dagg announces her peaceful passing on June 24, 2008, surrounded by members of her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Jack, and daughters, Cheryl MacMillan (Dave) and Jennifer Cramer. Also mourning her passing are her grandchildren, Lauren, Michelle, Graeme, Brittany, and Katie MacMillan, as well as, Zachary, Jillian and Alexander Cramer. Marguerite was born on November 1, 1924 in Minnedosa, Manitoba to Stan (Hyram) and Margaret Phelps. She grew up the oldest sister to three rambunctious brothers, William (Bill), James (Jim) and John (Jack). Mom was predeceased by all of them and she was particularly saddened at the loss of her brothers at various times throughout her life. Upon graduation from highschool, Marguerite began her career with the Canadian Pacific Railway on April 4, 1944 as a car checker at the Minnedosa Station. She eventually moved up to become the first female assistant agent to work there. Mom was proud to have accomplished this and enjoyed being part of the bustling rail industry near the end of the Second World War. She moved on to become a telegraph operator at the Canadian Pacific Railway main office in Winnipeg in 1951 and worked there until she married John Anderson Dagg on October 30, 1954. Their first daughter, Cheryl was born in 1955. Shortly after that the family moved to Ignace, Ontario, where Jack was employed as a Canadian Pacific Railway lineman. In 1958 Thunder Bay (Fort William), Ontario became their home. Dad was employed with Bell Canada there. Their second daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1962. Mom devoted most of her energy to being the best mom to their two daughters, but she was also actively involved in the Girl Guides, various groups at Broadway United Church, and the Bell Wives Association. Mom was happy when Dad accepted a job with Transport Canada in 1968 and the family moved back to Winnipeg. Mom got involved in groups at Westworth United Church as well as the Neighborhood Watch Association. Mom got back into the paid workforce as a distributor for flyer deliveries. She enjoyed the interaction with the young carriers and their families. Mom was proud to see her daughters attend university, marry and have families of their own. Over the next number of years, Mom welcomed the arrival of eight grandchildren, whom she adored and could be counted on to be the best Grammy in every way. She was always sad when one of the older ones moved away or went off to school, but they were always in each other's thoughts. After a stroke in 2001, Marguerite's health deteriorated but she still very much enjoyed seeing the grandchildren and hearing of their many various activities and accomplishments. Mom broke her hip on March 1, and after surgery at the Victoria Hospital was moved to Deerlodge Centre for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, due to recent health complications, she passed away on June 24. The family wishes to offer their heartfelt thanks to the staff at both hospitals for their concern and compassionate care. A memorial service will be held in Minnedosa, MB on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. A private internment in Winnipeg will precede this. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to either the Kidney Foundation of Canada-Manitoba Branch #1-452 Dovercourt Dr., R3Y 1G4, CancerCare Manitoba 1160-675 McDermot Ave. R3E 0V9, or the Rainbow Society 303-1 Wesley Ave, R3C 4C6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2008