MARGARET MCLEAN

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MARGARET MCLEAN In Brandon, MB in April 1922 the last of seven children, a little girl, was born to Howard and Etta McKay, our mom, Margaret Janet. Mom's early life on the farm, just north of Carnegie, was very enjoyable. She loved being outside riding her horse and being in the fields with her dad, a real tomboy. There was much shared work and play with extended family and friends nearby. Mom went to school at Forrest, MB. She took her nurses training at Brandon General Hospital and graduated as a registered nurse in 1943. Mom and her classmates were very close and had large or small reunions for over 50 years. During her training years the war of course was still going on. The Manning Depot near Brandon was a training centre for Air Force Pilots from all over the commonwealth. Mom's eyes beheld a handsome dark haired man, not a pilot, but a leading aircraftsman who was also a trumpet player in the Air Force Band and the bugler, our father Martin McLean. They were married in July 1944. Mom and dad and eventually we kids lived in Brooklands and Weston in Winnipeg. Mom, with dad, was very active in the Salvation Army. Mom served in various capacities at the Weston Corps (church) including leader of the Women's Group and the Young Peoples Ministry as well as church treasurer. Mom worked as a nurse at the old Grace Hospital in the maternity department for a few years. Later she went back to Grace in the Social Services department. She finally retired in the late 1970s from the Salvation Army Family Services Department, downtown. Mom made many friends in all her workplaces and was highly regarded. She was very influential in many lives beside those of her family, especially with young people and even her pastors. Mom and dad had a lovely yard with lots of flowers, lilacs and a big vegetable garden. Were you ever given some of their tomatoes? Mom was known for her oxtail soup, bran muffins, and butter tarts. She loved sweets, especially chocolate and cherries and lately A & W. She loved trees, watching the Blue Jays baseball team and curling. She was very proud of their brand new navy blue Aries automobile and was meticulous in keeping it clean. We as her children and grandchildren will remember our mom as a parent, with our father, who gave us infinite love, protection and guidance and taught us to love and follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. She made us feel special and confident. She was supportive in most of our endeavours, and was always there when we needed her, mostly encouraging, sometimes suggesting a different way. However, there we times when for some infraction, usually disobedience, we were given "the Look." But there were also times when she started to laugh, especially when playing PIT, she couldn't stop and neither could the rest of us. After dad died in 1990 mom kept busy with church work, yard work, bowling, visiting with family across the country and washing her car. She left her home in Weston in 1997, during the flood, to move into McClure Place in Wolseley. She loved it there and made many friends. Eventually mobility became an issue and in 2009 she was pleased to be accepted into Calvary Place personal care home. She was quite happy there and said time and again what a wonderful place it was to be her last home on this earth. But in the last couple of years she became tired and impatient and said over and over that she wanted to "Go Home." Just before midnight on Monday, August 12, 2013 mom's desire was granted and she did "Go Home" to be with her Lord. Also welcoming her home are her parents and four brothers and two sisters and her beloved husband Martin. Left to be grateful for her life and love are her children Jan (Greg), Wayne (Dee), Gail and Val. Her precious grandchildren Sarah (Dal) and great-grandson Lucas Dean, Kathryn (Dan), Jeff (Debra) Paul (Leticia). We are so grateful beyond measure to the wonderful caring staff at Calvary Place. Henry the Chaplain and all the staff in the activities department and especially the amazing, patient men and women on 2 South who day after day ministered to her needs (ministrations that were not always graciously received). We so appreciate the calls and inquiries from friends and family. Mom we love you God has blessed you and you are now home, safe and sound. Service of Remembrance will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastview Community Church, 3500 Devries (just south of the north Perimeter east of Henderson Hwy.) In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions in mom's memory may do so to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2013