MARGARET HANDFORD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARGARET HANDFORD Gladys Hortence Margaret Handford (Speirs) passed away on May 23, 2015, in her home town of Gimli, Manitoba. Margaret was born in Winnipeg on January 2, 1929. She is survived by her partner Richard Hurak; her children James, Lorraine and Ian (Elizabeth); her grandchildren Leane (John), Kerri (Jason) and Henry; her great-grandchildren Kaylee and Kaleb; as well as her brother Harvey (Margie) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents John and Esther Speirs, her brother Jack, and her beloved son Bruce Handford. Margaret was a graduate of the St. Boniface School of Nursing and the University of Manitoba. She worked as a supervisor with the Victorian Order of Nurses, and at various times was on the board of directors of the Manitoba Association of Registered Nurses, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Canadian Red Cross. She was involved with the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society for many years, and was a staunch advocate for the defense of human rights of all those afflicted with mental health issues. Margaret herself was shown the road of happy destiny by her many friends in Gimli - she was a friend of Bill W. for over 30 years. She left us with a twinkle in her eye, and an earnest desire that the twinkle be caught by Leane, Kerri, Henry, Kaylee and Kaleb. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the wonderful and caring staff at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli. There will be a private family service at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Margaret's memory to the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, 204-786-1616, mss.mb.ca. "The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2015