MARGARET JEAN ALLEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARGARET JEAN ALLEN, PHD

Margaret passed away on June 26, 2021 at age 100, having (in her own words) "no business being this old."
Born February 7, 1921, Margaret was the second of three daughters born to Thomas and Anne Allen.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara Walsh and Maureen Law as well as her brothers-in-law, Keith Walsh and Del Law. She is survived by her niece Lorna Drummond (Wayne) and nephews, Ted Walsh (Sandra), Chris Law (Roxanne) and Gord Law (Jeanine) as well as numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Margaret was a woman ahead of her time. She taught in a rural school briefly, worked for the Canadian Red Cross for a number of years before returning to university in pursuit of a degree in Arts. She then proceeded to earn her masters degree followed by a PhD. Her chosen field was 13th century English which required her to study for a time in Britain. That allowed her to travel through many parts of Europe where she would find various treasures that were sent as gifts to her nephews and niece, many of which are still keepsakes today.
After achieving her doctorate degree, she taught at Waterloo University College/ Waterloo Lutheran University before transferring to St. John's College at the University of Manitoba in 1970 where she taught until her retirement. As a professor she was not one to hand out easy As but she was always available to her students when they needed extra help in actually learning the material.
She was a lifelong member of the Anglican church and maintained an abiding love for the church. She was always willing to assist friends and family with nothing asked in return. Perhaps that was due to the influence of her father who was very socially minded. Her politics followed the same course. A love for the environment had her involved in several local projects. She had a non-flamboyant manner but was determined to do her part.
As an aunt, she was a wonderful listener. As one of the cousins put it, "she tried her best to pretend interest when sometimes the topic at hand had no possible value in it but we would soldier on". We loved her for what she was and how she presented herself. She will be missed.
Thanks ever so much to the staff at Tuxedo Villa who provided her with wonderful care during the time she spent with you, especially during these most challenging times. When we were unable to visit, you became her family and we will be ever grateful for that.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 07, 2021