Margaret FOWELL

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FOWELL: On April 6th, 2018 Margaret Patricia Fowell (nee McMunn) passed away with her family by her side. To her tribute, grandson Scott played Amazing Grace and Scotland the Brave on the bagpipes. She was predeceased by her parents Pemberton and Elizabeth McMunn, sister-in-law Ruth McMunn, brothers-in-law Ken Budd and Dave Davis, husband Bud Fowell, grandchildren Paul Inkster and Alison Fowell, niece Diane Budd, daughter-in-law Colleen Fowell and her daughter Linda Freed. Mom was born in Winnipeg on January 11th, 1931 and grew up in McMunn, Manitoba. She was the sister to Geraldine Budd, Ida Davis and John McMunn. Mom moved to Brandon and started her teaching career. At a dance in Carroll she met our dad, Bud. They married and moved to the family farm in the community of Carroll, Manitoba, where they raised their five children; Linda Freed, Brian (Paulette) Fowell, Jeanne (Brian) Stephenson, Kenny (Linda) Fowell and Barry (Wendy) Fowell. Mom could do it all and because of that her children were raised to do anything that had to be done. There was always room at her table and guests were treated as family. The coffee pot was always on. She was a wonderful cook and made the best donuts and gingersnap cookies. Margaret was a member of the Carroll U.C.W., the Souris Horticultural Society and was an active community volunteer. Nothing was more precious or important to her than her family. She was the bedrock of our family and played such an important role in shaping each of her children, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great- grandchildren into who they are today. She filled their childhood with magic and delight. She was the renowned curator of the finest “under the table” tea party as well as the “parties of the round table”. Nana taught them how to work hard, encouraged them to play in the mud and to be kind and loving to everyone. When she was diagnosed with Parkinsons, Mom faced it head on and would research it to no end. She challenged her doctors and took control of the disease. It was no surprise to us that her doctor would give Mom’s contact information to newly diagnosed patients. He would tell them that, “Margaret knows more about the disease”, and with her compassion, she helped to take some of their fears away. Mom was still receiving calls just prior to her passing. Mom moved from the farm to Victoria Park Lodge in Souris. When she required more care she moved to her final home at Valleyview Personal Care until her passing. Mom was such a caring person and was able to help new residents feel welcome and at home. Music was important to Mom. It brought her such incredible joy and when she lost her ability to speak we were still able to reach her through music. Mom always had a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes and a smile that would light up a room. Her hands were so gentle and she always gave the best hugs. Being the person that she was, Mom donated her body to science so that others will continue to learn from her. There will be no formal service at this time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Westman Dreams for Kids, Parkinsons Society Manitoba or Variety Children’s Charity. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all staff of Valleyview for their amazing care and compassion towards our Mom (our Mama Moose).

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 14, 2018