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Margaret Thomson Barr (McGowan)
June 26, 1914 - April 1, 2017
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Margaret Thomson Barr (McGowan) June 26, 1914 – April 1, 2017
Margaret “Marg” Barr passed away at the age of 102 years on Friday, April 1, 2017 at Kimberley, BC. She was born to the late John and Jeanie McGowan, June 26th, 1914 in Ogden (Calgary), Alberta.
The McGowan family moved to Trail, BC and resided on Austad Lane. Then in 1926 the family moved to Kimberley when Margaret was 12 years old. Her mother passed away shortly after and Margaret being the oldest girl was left in charge of six siblings and the home. During her high school years, 87 years ago, she was Captain of the Kimberly High School Basketball team, champions of East Kootenay 1929-30 and following that Captain of the Pirates, Kimberley Intermediate Basketball team winning the J.C. Adams Cup.
Margaret finished high school in Kimberley and began nurses training in Edmonton at the Edmonton General Hospital under Sisters of Charity graduating in 1935 receiving the honorary award for surgical technique. After working in Kimberley for several years she moved to Montreal and worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital. One of her first paycheques was for $48 for 96 hours of work. In 1942 during the Second World War she worked as a nurse in Bermuda. Upon returning to Kimberley she married Charlie and together they raised their family and Marg continued her nursing career.
She retired from the Kimberley and District Hospital as Head Nurse in the OR in 1976 after 30 years of service. Marg and Charlie retired to their summer place at Windermere Lake. After Charlie passed away in 1986, Marg continued to enjoy another 20 years at the lake. Over the years she enjoyed her grandchildren, Brandon, Andrea, Ian and Megan who often with their friends came to spend time at the lake with grandma. All were welcome and to this day share fond memories of their time at the lake. Marg enjoyed a long and happy retirement tending her garden and spending time with family and friends.
Marg’s passion for reading and current events led to many spirited discussions on politics both past and present. She had a keen interest in sports especially watching NHL hockey. For her 100th birthday the grandkids gave her an Ipad set up so that she could Facetime and read the news.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband Charles “Charlie” Barr, brothers John (Wardie), Charlie, Archie (Alice) and Harold McGowan; sisters Jeanie (Art) Ruffle, Agnes (Tom) Charlton and paternal brother and sister, David and Molly; nephews Doug Ruffle, John McGowan, Harold McGowan and niece Jeanette McGowan.
She leaves to mourn with love and many happy memories; her daughters Susan (George) Robertson and Margot (Don) Evans; her grandchildren Ian (Roxanne) Robertson, Megan Robertson; Brandon (Tracy), and Andrea (Jason) Hufty; great grandchildren Maëlle Robertson, Jacob and Matthew Hufty, and Ale and Cass Loutitt. Also she is survived by her sisters in law Ruby, Anna and Helen McGowan, and many nieces, nephews and family friends.
Special thanks to Mary and Donald Charlton, Barb Balcom, and Linda Kuntz for always being there; to Dr. Clay and the staff at Garden View Village and the Kimberley Special Care Home.
In keeping with Marg’s wishes there will be no service. A family gathering is planned for later.
We are all sad to see you go. We were so lucky to have you.
Margaret Thomson Barr – A remarkable woman – We know you are happy “to be on your way”.
Condolences may be left at www.markmemorial.com
Condolences
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From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Debbie Powell
Relation: Friends with my Grandparents.
A true matriarch. Will never forget her. Rest peacefully Mag.
From: John and Val Migneault
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
Marg and families, thinking of u!
May your Mom Rest in Peace!
Hugs
From: Janet Ruzicka (Scott)
Relation: Feiend
To Susan,Margot and families.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I will always remember the times I spent at your house on the Townsite and all the fun at Windermere Lake. I am so glad I saw Marg last summer in the platzl with Susan. Remember all the great times. Thinking of you. Janet Ruzicka( Scott)
From: Adele Relkoff
Relation: from work
I am sorry for your loss. When I started work at the Kimberley Hospital in 1968, Marg was Head Nurse in the OR, a very busy department with many on call hours. I admired her competence as well as benefiting from her encouragement for other staff members-a memorable woman & nurse.
From: Astrid Berkowski
Relation: Worked with her in Kimberley Hospital
Ah Marg was great working with you
From: Astrid Berkowski
Relation: Worked with her at Kimberley Hospital
Enjoyed working with Marg for many years. Great nurse and person.
From: Astrid Berkowski
Relation: Worked with her at Kimberley Hospital
Enjoyed working with Marg for many years. Great nurse and person.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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