Obituary of Margaret Westvelt

February 1, 1923 - May 4, 2022

 

99 Years

 

With saddened hearts, the family of Margaret Viola Westvelt announce her passing, with family by her side, on Wednesday, May 4 at the Mennonite Nursing Home, Rosthern Saskatchewan. She was 99 years old.

 

Margaret Viola Westvelt was born February 1, 1923, in the district of Hazel Dell, Saskatchewan to Archie and Edith McDonald. She was the fifth of eight surviving children, 4 boys then 4 girls. She attended school in Okla and Lintlaw. Mom loved to talk of the many adventures that she and her siblings and friends had during this time. Times were tough, but there was always fun to be had. In fact, she continued a lifelong friendship with her pal Iva Martin until the time of her passing. 

 

In 1943, Margaret married Alfred Westvelt and they settled on a farm north of Okla. They had six children: Mannie, Audrey, Marty, Allison, Annette, and Alice. Sadly, Allison passed away at 2 months from pneumonia. 

 

Mom was a typical farm wife with a huge garden, animals, sewing, knitting, and was really a jack of all trades. Margaret was never afraid of work, even into her 90s. In her 60's Margaret moved to Kamsack and took schooling to become a Personal Care Aide. She worked in various capacities around Kamsack and Eaglestone Lodge. She had a large group of friends, who enjoyed coffee row, pattern dancing, and volunteering with the Anglican Church. She became an avid flower gardener. Margaret and her partner John Staigh especially loved making music. There were many nights with guitar, organ, and Mom singing. She had a beautiful voice. 

 

Mom enjoyed travelling and several times she visited Marty in Australia, the last time for her 85th birthday. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family and has always made a point of keeping in touch with everyone. Mom was a legend among family for her humor and willingness to help wherever she could. 

 

When John passed away, Margaret moved in with her youngest daughter Alice. They lived in Saskatoon and more recently in Waldheim. Mom became totally blind, and it was necessary for her to move into a series of nursing homes. As a family we are very grateful for the excellent care and thoughtful staff at MNH. You truly are gems. 

 

Left to cherish for memory are her family: Mannie’s children (Cheryl and Morley, Lance and Joanne, Lorelei, Dawn and Rick), Audrey and John Kucharski (Kevin, Sheila and Tom), Marty and Patty (Joel), Jeff and Annette Smith (Amanda and Brennan, Julian and Kaylea), Alice Maxwell (Darcy, Leah and Jason); 18 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews that loved her. 

 

She is preceded in death by her: parents, Archie and Edith McDonald; brothers Don and Lillian, Edgar and Polly, Arch and June, Bill and Lydia; sisters Marie and Charlie Bridges, Alice and Jim McNicol, Bess and Bruce Cowan; husband Alfred Westvelt; partner John Staigh; daughter Allison; son Mannie and Eileen; son-in-law Brent Maxwell. 

 

We will be having a celebration of Margaret’s life in the summer at Okla, her home. Her ashes will be buried beside her baby girl Allison. Many thanks to all of her friends in various communities for your companionship. She treasured you all.

 

 

 

 

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK

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