MARGARET DONALDA WOOD

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MARGARET DONALDA WOOD December 30, 1928 - November 10, 2008 In the early hours of November 10, 2008, after a lengthy and courageous battle with numerous health challenges, Mom was released into eternal rest. She was surrounded by her family in her final hours as she always liked to be throughout her life. Mom was born on December 30, 1928 in Arcola, Saskatchewan. She was the chosen daughter of Thomas and May Hart, who were thrilled with her arrival. Mom grew up in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba and faced hardship early in her life when she lost her mother at the age of ten. Years later through a friend she met Al Wood, the new CNR Operator. This meeting was the beginning of their courtship and was followed by their marriage on September 13, 1947. Dad's job as CNR Operator took them from town to town in both rural Manitoba and Saskatchewan. While in Dauphin in 1948, after being told she was expecting twins and knitting double of everything, Mom and Dad were blessed with their son Thomas (Tom). It was another nine years before their family grew again with the arrival of daughter Diane in Kipling, Saskatchewan. Although Mom had been told it was to be twins again, she did not fall for that a second time and only knit one of each item. When Dad became CNR Station Agent, the family settled in Kelwood, Manitoba and later in Plumas. Mom truly found her place in life with motherhood! She was a doting, loving and protective mother who worked tirelessly to meet her children's needs and to ensure that things at home ran smoothly. With her creative nature, Mom had a knack for creating unique gifts and adding special touches to decor and outfits. Mom also enjoyed baking, knitting, ceramics and figure skating. Although Mom was quiet in nature and more of a homebody through most of her life she found pleasure in adventures too. She enjoyed visits to the city, camping trips to Clear Lake and other family trips throughout the years. Mom was involved with the United Church, the 4-H Club and with the Lionelles during her days in Plumas. She enjoyed planning fall suppers, teaching crafts, dressing up for town parades and attending the Lionelle conventions. Mom also competed in local fairs and won many awards for her baking and knitting. When the railway began to close rural stations, Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg and eventually bought a home in St. Vital near their daughter and son-in-law. Mom was always rearranging things around the house and filled her home with the things she loved. Dad would sometimes just shake his head and grin as she added yet another piece to one of her many little collections. Then there was grandparenting, which to Mom was the best thing that ever happened! She loved each and every minute of being a Grandma and eventually a Great-Grandma. Her grandkids remember all of her special stories and funny expressions, her Granny advice , creative gifts, tea times and her wonderful chocolate chip or smartie cookies. Most of all they remember her gentle spirit and her never ending love! In addition to dealing with her own health challenges over the years, Mom provided selfless care to Dad after his strokes in 2003 and 2004 until he moved to Deer Lodge in 2007. She stayed involved in his care following this move and loved going on outings with him and cooking for his home visits on Sundays. Despite these numerous challenges, Mom was determined to stay in her own home which she did until just two days before her passing. She was looking forward to future family celebrations and despite her passing we know she will be with us during those important moments in loving spirit. Mom was predeceased by her parents Thomas and May Hart, her in-laws John and Grace Wood, her sister-in-law Marg and her husband Ed, her sister-in-law Melissa (Dot) and her husband Alec, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be sadly missed by Al, her husband of 61 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Diane, son-in-law Jack and son Thomas (Tom). She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren Karilee (Rick), Thomas (Chantale), Lisanne (Daryl), Jennifer (Paul), Sierra (Rob) and Steven, as well as great-grandchildren Taryn and Morgan, Marley and Charlie, Jessica, Michelle and Tyler. Mom's passing has also saddened her brother-in-law George and his wife Pat, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and their respective families. We would like to acknowledge many people who have touched Mom's life in various ways. She had a special friendship with her cousin Katherine, who called to check in on and chat with Mom on a regular basis for many years. Mom and Dad were fortunate to have caring neighbours who visited, helped clean the driveway and dropped off treats on numerous occasions. There was also our friend Leona who stopped in for visits or outings and graciously helped our family care for Mom during her last week. We are thankful to those involved in Mom's care throughout the many years, Dr. Mehta, Dr. Pidwirney and her physician Dr. Salem who was so kind to take on her care in recent years. A special thank you goes to Jennifer who talked Mom into just a little homecare, to Dorothy, Glenda and others for providing that care and to Nurse Janice. Mom's independent nature did not always leave them with many jobs but she enjoyed their company more than anything else. Thank you to the attending paramedics who transported Mom to Victoria Hospital and to the Emergency Department staff who treated her immediate needs with care. Finally, we wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Kristin, Michelle and all other staff on the fourth floor at the Vic for providing Mom with gentle care and comfort and for giving a concerned and grieving family such compassionate support. At Mom's request there will be no memorial service. Cremation has already taken place and a private family interment will occur at a later date. Thank you to Adina and Diane at Glen Lawn Funeral and Memorial Gardens for their friendly and helpful assistance during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Mom's kind and generous nature please extend a kindness to someone in need. Donations in her memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Special Care Unit Tower 3 at Deer Lodge Centre or to the Victoria General Hospital. Rest well Dear Wife, Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma, you've earned it! You will be deeply missed and loved always by your family! GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2008