MARGARET (MARG) MCMILLAN CHAPMAN

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MARGARET (MARG) MCMILLAN CHAPMAN It is with deep sadness that the family of Margaret M. Chapman announces her passing on Monday, August 23, 2010 at the age of 78 years. Remaining to forever cherish Margaret's memory are her sons, David (Julie) and their son Alex of West Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.A., Randy (Tracey) of Calgary, Alberta, grandsons Christopher of Winnipeg and Corey of Calgary, Alberta; sisters-in-law, Martina Smillie of St. Andrews, Manitoba, and Lena Smillie of Ardrossan, Scotland; sisters, Mary Tait of Stevenston, Ayrshire, Scotland and Etta Bell of Morpeth, Northumberland, England. She was predeceased by her husband, John; parents, Charles and Mary Smillie of Ardrossan, Scotland; brothers Charlie, Jimmy, Robert and Joe; as well as one sister, Bessy. On January 9, 1932, Margaret was born in Kilwinning, Scotland, and grew up in the town of Ardrossan, Scotland. In 1957, she immigrated to Canada with her late brother, Robert Smillie and her sister in-law, Martina. Initially they resided in Vegreville, Alberta but then moved to Winnipeg where Margaret went to work first for Dominion Bridge and later for W. J. Dyck Sons. It was at W. J. Dyck Sons that she met her husband of 40 years, John Thomas Chapman. They were married on June 15, 1963 at the Salvation Army Winnipeg Citadel Corps. Margaret remained active in the Salvation Army with Winnipeg Citadel and later Hampton Street Church until her Alzheimer's disease prevented her from attending. Margaret loved her family and was always very involved and interested in their lives. She served as a volunteer assistant to librarian Muriel Collins at Allard Elementary School during the 1970s and was later involved in bowling, and both the Salvation Army Ladies Missionary Group and the Salvation Army Home League. Margaret was a Canadian citizen, but also a proud Scot who was active in the Robert Burns Club of Winnipeg. She looked forward to the annual Burns Supper on January 25, and the annual visit to the Scottish Pavilion at Folklarama. In 2000, she was thrilled to travel along with her husband John, son Randy and his wife Tracey to Scotland for Margaret's first and last visit home in 53 years. After John passed away in 2003, she began struggling with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, which progressed steadily until her death. Margaret moved into the Tuxedo Villa Nursing Home in January of 2007 and was always bright and cheery throughout her struggle. She was always willing to lend a kind word in her familiar Scottish accent, or simply a smile and wave to anyone she saw. Having fought the good fight, Mom simply had no more fight to give and passed away quietly and peacefully. In compliance with Margaret's wishes, no formal Funeral Service will be held. A private family interment will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice. We love you, Mom, and we will miss you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2010