MARGARET MAY HARRIS (ARCHER)

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MARGARET MAY HARRIS (nee ARCHER) Peacefully on Thursday November 10, 2011, Mom passed away at the age of 92 at the Riverview Health Centre. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Betty Hannem; grandsons, Raymond and Richard Randell; great-grandchildren, Taryn and Aidan Randell; and their mother, Kirsty; sister-in-law, Muriel Archer; special niece, Evelyn Horton; and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; parents, Miriam and Jack Archer; brothers, Hubert and Eric; sister Ethel; and son-in-law, Chuck Hannem. She was born on the family farm near Binscarth, MB, and after graduating from high school in Russell, she took teacher training at the Normal School in Winnipeg. On completion of her training, she taught in various rural locations, eventually meeting the love of her life, Robert Harris, in Langruth. He was a naturalist in charge of wildlife management on the Big Grass Marsh, Ducks Unlimited's first restoration project in Manitoba. Shortly after their marriage in 1942, Robert enlisted in the R.C.A.F. receiving pilot training and went overseas in 1944, as a Lancaster bomber pilot. Tragically his plane was shot down in March 1945, and he was reported missing, presumed dead. In the meantime, Margaret had given birth to her daughter Betty, and so along with her parents they moved from Binscarth to Winnipeg. Those were difficult times but she purchased a home and went to Success Business College, completed secretarial training and then was asked by the college to accept an instructor's position which she did for several years. She then worked for the federal Department of Transport for 25 years, retiring in 1979. Retirement didn't mean stop working and soon she was busy volunteering with Age and Opportunity, and other service organizations for many years, along with being a very active member of Christ Anglican Church in River Heights. It wasn't all work for Margaret as she enjoyed many hobbies: bridge clubs, golfing and curling. She loved spending time with her grandsons when they were growing up and was delighted with the arrival of her twin great-grandchildren. She was a gracious hostess and loved to gather the family for large get-togethers with plenty of food. She enjoyed many wonderful trips to her beloved Hawaii, and travelled to England, Spain, Portugal, Barbados and cruised the Caribbean. We have fond memories of our trips with her to Disneyland and Disneyworld, as well as all the summer vacations at Clear Lake. Margaret was a kind and generous lady, and we will miss her terribly but realize we were fortunate to have her with us for so long. The past few years were not easy for her, but she coped well with the help of family and staff at Rosewood and later Riverview. Our sincere thanks to the caring and dedicated staff of A2 ward at Riverview who provided excellent care for her and amazing support for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Winnipeg Humane Society or your favourite charity. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., with reception to follow. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2011