MARGARET PEARSON (SLATTEN)

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MARGARET PEARSON (nee SLATTEN) March 7, 1915 - October 3, 2000 It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved aunt, Margaret Pearson, on Tuesday, October 2000. Auntie is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Willma and Robert Taylor and grand-nieces, Cindy and Christy, Joyce and Ben Watson and family of Eriksdale, Man., Nel and Mike Skoropata and family, Joyce and Don Culshaw and family of Langley, B.C.; sister-in-law Rose Slatten (wife of Art Slatten) and family of White Rock, B.C.; Roy Slatten and family of Surrey, B.C.; many other nieces and nephews in British Columbia and special friends, George and Madeleine Reid. She was predeceased by her husband Walter in 1984, her mother, father, brothers and sisters and her grand-niece Lynne Ellen Taylor in 1978. Auntie was an extremely capable and highly conscientious worker. Over the years she held a variety of jobs - a support worker at the Galloway and McKinnon Convalescent Home on Broadway Avenue. In her off hours she read to the patients and did their errands. She was love in action. She was a cook in a bakery/cafeteria in Red Lake, Ont.; cuffed army pants and candled eggs during the war years. She was a cleaner at the St. Vital School Division on a temporary basis. She worked as cook at Claras Snack Bar (a restaurant owned by her brother Clarence and sister-in-law Clara). This restaurant was later sold to Mr. Dave Lee who retained the staff and when approached for a reference for Auntie Marg, termed her "the best employee he had ever had." In 1955 Auntie joined Great West Life as a "spare" in the cafeteria. Six years later an opening came up, and Auntie joined the permanent staff at Great West Life, taking charge of the cheese and ice cream counter for the next 19 years, retiring in 1980 at age 65. Aunties passions were baking and cooking. In a province-wide bread baking contest sponsored by CJOB, Auntie took second place. Her name was announced on air. Fifty years later Aunties name was again announced on CJOB, this time by Pastor Chris Wells on "God Talk." Auntie listened faithfully every Sunday evening to "God Talk" and Pastor Wells wished Auntie a happy 85th birthday on air. This was a special moment in her life, bringing her much pleasure. Aunties other passions included playing cards, especially bridge, and flower gardening. Under her skillful care the most sickly plant would flourish. She was a very organized, energetic and thrifty person who was devoted to her family. She was love in action - she thought of everyone else first, herself second. When her mother became ill during the Depression, Auntie moved her and her younger brother Clarence into the city and worked to support the three of them, caring for her mother till her death at home, then caring for her younger brother till it was time for him to leave home. She was love in action. She was the caregiver to her husband during his many years of chronic lung problems. She provided support (both emotional and financial) to all her family throughout her lifetime. Auntie Marg was a Christian who led by example. She was love in action. Auntie Marg was part of the Palliative Home Care Program at the Riverview Health Centre since May 2000. She never complained or felt sorry for herself throughout her illness; rather she considered others first and their welfare. She was love in action. Auntie always thanked God for her good health. She was never in the hospital one day in her life till one month after her 85th birthday, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Being on the Palliative Home Care Program allowed her to remain at home till her passing. During this time my husband Robert and daughter Christy allowed me to live at Aunties house to care for her in her time of need. I will be eternally grateful for their gift of love to me and their many sacrifices during this time. Memorial service will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. at Luxton Avenue, at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 7, Pastor David Hughes of River South Baptist Church officiating. Private interment at a later date. A special thank you to Dr. Hubert Marr, Palliative Care Program, for his compassionate, excellent care of Auntie; Dr. Elizabeth Boustcha and staff at Riverview Health Centre; VON staff, especially Marie B. Heartfelt thanks to our relatives, especially Ben and Joyce, Shirley and Johnny, Nel, Jimmy and Elsie; friends, George and Madeleine, Ken and Bernie, Larry Schroeder. Thanks to all for their prayers and support, especially the Hughes Family, River South Baptist Church and Evangel Chapel. Should friends so desire donations may be made in memory of Auntie Marg to the Riverview Health Centre. SHE WAS LOVE IN ACTION Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2000