JONA MARGARET WHITEWAY

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JONA MARGARET WHITEWAY After a brief illness, Margaret, 89, widow of William Murray Whiteway, passed away February 13, 2004. The daughter of Jona Vopni and Sigurjon Sigurdson, Margaret was born and raised in Arborg, MB. She attended the Jon Bjarnason Academy in Winnipeg, where she was valedictorian in her graduating year. After obtaining her teaching certificate from the provincial Normal School, she taught in Arnes and then Arborg. In 1939 she spent several months as a hostess in the Icelandic Pavilion at the New York Worlds Fair. On her return to Winnipeg she resumed teaching at Wellington School. Margaret had met Murray several years before and in 1944, while he was home on leave from the R.C.A.F., they were married. Margaret and Murray were very active in the community of Old Kildonan where they raised their family. She was a member of the Kildonan Presbyterian Church and an active member of the Mary Nisbet Auxiliary. She was co-founder of both the Red River School Home and School Association and the Red River Community Club. Later she was a founding member of the McBeth House Seniors Centre. While raising her family Margaret taught at various schools in Old Kildonan, as a principals relief teacher and substitute. Upon retirement Margaret and Murray enjoyed their summers in Old Kildonan and at the family cottage in Gimli and took many winter trips. Margaret carried on travelling widely after being widowed in 1987. Margaret continued to enjoy her beloved home and property in Old Kildonan until her death. Margaret is survived by her son John; daughter Noni, Jim Hammel and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her twin sister Snjolaug and brothers, Arnthor, Carl and Franklin. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 20 at Kildonan Community Church, 2373 Main St.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 17, 2004