MARGARET POOLE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARGARET POOLE It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Margaret Poole at the age of 82 years on Saturday, April 10, 2004 at the Middlechurch Personal Care Home surrounded by her loving family. It is only in the last couple of years that her health gradually declined. A descendent of the Selkirk Settlers, Margaret was born February 4, 1922 at Lockport, MB to John and Florence (MacLean) Smith and was the eldest of 14 children. She grew up in Winnipeg and married William Poole of Erinview on May 30, 1941. They were married 49 eventful years before Bills passing in 1990. Margarets whole life revolved around her family. She had particular interest in the care and welfare of children. She first cared for her younger brothers and sisters, then her own children and later worked as a Child Care Worker for the Childrens Aid Society of Winnipeg. In 1965 Margaret and Bill moved to Churchill, MB where she worked first as a Supervisor at the CVC Hostel for Inuit students and then as the head of a group home for native girls. Margaret and Bill spent two years in Rankin Inlet, NT before moving to the radar base at Holberg, BC in 1976 and then to Port Alice, BC in 1979. After Bills final illness, Margaret returned to Manitoba in 1987 living in Stonewall, Winnipeg and Selkirk. Margaret devoted her life completely to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each one enjoyed the fruits of her wisdom, insight, encouragement and unfailing interest. Margaret was fascinated with people, human behaviour and the living of life. Her strength of character was obvious to anyone that met her. Her generosity of spirit was not limited to just her family but extended to anyone in need. Margaret had great compassion for the vulnerable and helpless and was known to go to great lengths to help someone. She was always asking questions, and sought conversations that would be engaging and meaningful for all. Margaret challenged those around her to become the best that we could be. Margaret was a talented seamstress, with a great sense of style, whose delicate smocking graced countless baby and childrens outfits. She taught herself to sew at 13, tearing up donated clothing and creating shirts, dresses and blouses for her brothers and sisters. She rarely used a pattern but would draw a picture and then create something wonderful. Margaret was an amazing cook and taught her family that food was a wonderful experience, to experiment with taste and as a way to bring people together and engage in good conversations. This strong, unique and resourceful lady will be forever missed by her children, Rae, Bill (Judy), Ted (Lorna), Shannon and Shauna. Her grandchildren, Holly Levin, Janice (Brian) Baryliuk, Gordon (Karen) Reid, Logan (Amber) Poole, Lucas and Cody Poole, Jess (Sheryl) Poole, Kristie-Lee (Kevin) Poole. Her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Levin, Danielle Baryliuk, Tessa and Tyra Poole, Devon Meyer-Poole. She will also be missed by brothers, Oliver, Edwin and Bob; and sisters, Ruby, Shirley and Winnifred. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Bill; infant daughter Joni Suzanne; her parents; and brothers and sisters, John, Raymond, Bernard, William (Stu), Jessie, Lizzie and Joyce. The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Middlechurch for the kindness and special attention shown not only to Margaret but to all of us who kept vigil the last few days of this remarkable ladys life. A service and reception to celebrate Margarets contribution to life will be held at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook St. on Wednesday, April 14 at 1:00 p.m., Rev. David Black officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Ample Parking Behind Funeral Home Condolences: www.bardalfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2004