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MARGARET (PEGGY) ISABELLE BARNARD (GRAY)
Born: Feb 14, 1917
Date of Passing: Aug 08, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARGARET (PEGGY) ISABELLE BARNARD (GRAY) Peggy passed away peacefully on August 8, 2012, at the age of 95. Peggy was born in Winnipeg on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1917, to Isabelle and Alfred Gray. She was predeceased by her younger brother Jim, her father and mother and her step-father Walter Harris. She was married to Harry Barnard of England, who predeceased her. Peggy attended Convent School in Winnipeg where her studies led her to her lifelong interest and commitment to eye care. She pursued this interest becoming a pioneer as a contact lens technician and the first female in western Canada to fit artificial eyes in her office where she also made and adapted glass contact lenses. She served patients travelling central Canada from Thunder Bay to Alberta. Peggy's great care and commitment were the hallmark of her years as a Contact Lens specialist. Peggy was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Soroptimist Club of Winnipeg for many years. She was an active patron of the arts attending the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Winnipeg Symphony with her dear friends. Peggy enjoyed her family and loved visiting with her cousin Bruce and his wife Vicki and their family in Kenora. She would bring her mother and stepfather and she loved the fishing! Peggy also enjoyed many happy visits with her cousin Shirley Johnson and her family of Selkirk. Peggy had a glamorous style and a distinctive elegance. She always spoke with a lovely diction and a literary choice of words; she could have been on the stage. Ironically it was Peggy's own eyes that cheated her of her vision. She managed to live independently in her own lovely condo for many years and has spent the last 7 years at Misericordia Place where she was so well and kindly cared for. Peggy leaves the Vodrey family, Mitch, Robert and Susan (Harbottle), who remember her closeness and who with love, planned together her care in these last years. Peggy also leaves the Johnson family who remember her with happiness. A gathering to share memories and to celebrate Peggy's life will be held for family and friends at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2012
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Peggy's mother and Walter were our neighbours on Turnbull Drive in the late 1940's. For many years, even after moving to Sunset St after the 1950 flood, they spent Christmas Eve with us. Peggy always arrived dressed elegantly and we 4 kids were in awe of her sophistication. Whenever I see an old movie with someone using a cigarette holder I smile and think of Peggy. She was a big part of our childhood and is remembered with affection. - Posted by: The Dubuc family (friends) on: Aug 18, 2013
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When I opened my accounting practice in Winnipeg in the early 1970's, Peggy wrote an eloquent letter of congratulations, introducing herself and asking if we could meet. Peggy was indeed a bright, articulate and interesting person. She remained a good friend for many years and I will miss her. - Posted by: Myrna Ferguson Cartlidge (Friend since we met in the early 1970's) on: Aug 29, 2012
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Miss Gray (as I called her) was kind enough to give me my first job at Contact Lens Services back in the late 70's. I have many fond memories. What a wonderful lady she was! - Posted by: Monica Preteau (Co-worker from the late1970's) on: Aug 25, 2012