MARGARET RUTH MASTERMAN

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MARGARET RUTH MASTERMAN Margaret passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2017, while holding hands with her younger stepson, Rick. Margaret had been quite ill for five weeks, but had rallied so often that we were blessed with time to say our good-byes. Margaret was predeceased by her parents Frank and Joan Mitchell; first husband Donald McLean; dear aunt Ruth McFarlane; brother and sister-in-law Bob and Eva Mitchell, and second husband Bob Masterman. Marnie (as we called her) is fondly remembered by her four stepchildren and their families: Sue Masterman; Barb Masterman (David Moore); Bruce Masterman (Karen) and their daughters, Chelsea and Sarah; Richard Masterman (Solange Legal) and their son Daniel Legal (Lisa Kotowicz), and their children Abby and Ethan. Margaret will also be lovingly remembered by her niece Janis Darlington and her family, and Margaret's many dear friends. Margaret was born in Winnipeg on October 19, 1928. Her mother passed away when Margaret was just 12 years old. Throughout her life Margaret's strong, independent nature was fostered by the need to manage on her own from such an early age. Margaret graduated from Daniel McIntyre High School, and then went to work at Eaton's in the business section. Later, she proudly worked as a medical social worker at the D. A. Stewart Respiratory Centre (Health Sciences Centre) until her retirement. Margaret and our dad Bob married in May 1969. In retirement they lived in Elma, Beausejour and Winnipeg. Margaret and Bob eventually moved to Gimli. Their homes were often the hub for birthday parties for family and friends, Robbie Burns' Night, and Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. Margaret loved to decorate her home for these special events. Their cottages at Malachi and later, at Spruce Sands, were a source of much enjoyment, in the company of family, friends, and good neighbours. Pets too brought Margaret great joy and comfort: dogs, Tartan and Torrie, and cats Sasha 1, Sasha 2, and lastly Johnny 6-Toes. Margaret loved to paint watercolour portraits of her pets as well as landscapes of some of her favourite places in nature. She enjoyed playing Scrabble with dear friends Mae and Geri, as well as card-making with a group of friends in Gimli. Sadly, Margaret was unable to continue with these activities when her eyesight diminished due to macular degeneration. The family is very grateful to the Home Care staff and to Margaret's dear neighbours in Gimli, particularly Gloria, who helped make it possible for Margaret to stay in her own home for as long as she did, following the death of our dad in 2003. Margaret's most recent move in September 2015 was to Red River Place in Selkirk, where she was well-loved by all the staff. The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff of Red River Place for their compassionate care. A celebration of Margaret's life will take place in the spring and her ashes will be placed next to Dad's in Gimli Cemetery. Notification of the service will appear in the newspapers at a later date. If desired, donations in Margaret's memory may be made to any no-kill animal shelter or CNIB Manitoba. Condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2017