Margaret Jean (MacKinnon) Anderson

August 8, 1926 – October 27, 2012

Margaret (Markie, as her grandchildren called her) passed on peacefully at Noric House early Saturday morning. For over a year, she bravely endured the harsh effects of a stroke and thanks to the compassionate care she received at Polson Residential Care and Noric House she kept her spirits high.

Margaret was born in Cranbrook and never lost her love of the Kootenays. She later graduated from McGill University in Montreal and moved to Vernon to teach Home Economics at Vernon High School (in Polson Park). There she met the ‘love of her life’ Gordon and had four children – Ted (Lillian), Helen (Kerry), Howie (Lisa) and James. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren also – Kyle and Jess Brewis, Gordon, Maggie and Brian Anderson, and Sarah, Ryley and Wesley Anderson.

Margaret continued teaching her whole life – showing kindness and patience, sharing with and respecting others, the joy of laughter, the rewards of working hard and how to give unconditional love. Her philosophy was LIVE/LOVE.

Margaret loved many things – her family and friends (and cats), gardening, reading, baking, sewing, knitting, weaving, playing bridge, Highland dancing, taking walks, listening to music, and tackling ‘The Vancouver Sun’ weekend crossword puzzle. She loved a challenge!

With Gordon and her family, she enjoyed many happy summer days at their Kootenay property ‘Cedar High’. She and Gordon experienced some wonderful trips to California and eastern Canada and the US and she and Doreen Brewis shared several lovely trips to the US, Scotland, Ireland, England, and Indonesia.

For those of us who had the privilege to know Margaret, with her beautiful blue eyes and warm smile – she will have a special place in our hearts forever.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ for Margaret will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send donations in Margaret’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.