Margaret was born near Vernon at the family homestead overlooking Swan Lake. The family later purchased a tree fruit farm on Silver Star Road where she lived until her early teens.
After High school, she followed in her sisters' footsteps and had a long career with HFC in Vernon, Vancouver, Calgary and then with First Calgary Credit Union. Margaret relished the benefits of a smaller town by enjoying friends that became life long. Many of these friends still met annually in the Okanagan for the long lunches.
In early 1962, Margaret was introduced, on the recommendation of her friend, Marilyn Brickenden, to Tom Murphy who she went on to marry and had daughters, Michelle in Vernon, Lisa in Kamloops and Allison in Calgary. Margaret and Tom celebrated their 58th anniversary October 6, 2020.
Margaret valued family and friends. Negativity was not part of her nature and she expressed her love through her culinary skills. Three couples met regularly to host dinners where one provided appetizers, another the main course and the third dessert with the appropriate beverages. These gourmet dinners rotated between homes and lasted 20 years.
Tom and Marg moved to Calgary in 1967. It was their Centennial project: new city, business opportunities, mountains and big sky. Margaret developed into a competent sailor sailing "LemonTwist" and with the boat's dinghy "Lemon Aide" on many lakes in Alberta, Montana and BC. Later a large boat on the West Coast. Marg enjoyed the game of Bridge. Her first neighbourhood group was formed in 1969 and she still played with one of these ladies regularly.
Marg is survived by her husband Tom, daughters Lisa and Allison, grandchildren Allisa, Dylan, Maxwell and Charlie and 2 brothers in the Okanagan: Walter (88) and Matthew (95) along with their extensive families. Margaret was predeceased by her parents and several sisters, her eldest daughter, Michelle Lynn and her grandson Braden Aaron.
A private family prayer service was held at Centre Street Church on December 7, on her 81st Birthday. A celebration of Margaret's life will be held sometime in the new year. Please forward condolences to www.albertaburialandcremation.com
Margaret requested that friends, if they so desire, donate to Rosedale Hospice, #1245 - 70 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8 Telephone: (403) 284 - 5195 or The Tom Baker Cancer centre, Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222. www.albertacancer.ca/memorial in her memory.
Alberta Burial & Cremation Services
Telephone: (403) 299-0123
Alberta Burial & Cremation Services