MARGARET TOEWS -

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MARGARET TOEWS 1919 - 2013 Our dear sister, aunt and friend, Margaret Toews, passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2013, at Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, less than a month after she moved to her new home in Bethania Personal Care Home. Margaret was born July 11, 1919, to John R. and Anna Toews in Blumenhof, Manitoba, where she grew up and took her elementary schooling. Her Grade 12 graduating class in 1939 was one of the first from the Steinbach Collegiate Institute. The following year she took her teacher training at what was then the Normal School of Winnipeg. For the next 36 years she taught primary grades in the Steinbach, and then Inkster and Champlain schools in Winnipeg, retiring at 60 years of age. But that did not stop her teaching. She taught English as a Second Language on a one-on-one basis for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching the well over a thousand children who passed through her classrooms. Margaret was a faithful caregiver to her special needs sister, as well as her elderly parents. Her caring and love also reached out to her many nieces and nephews, many of whom have special memories of her. Retirement gave Margaret more time for favourite activities like swimming, reading, bowling and enjoying nature, especially flowers, birds and the lovely autumn colours. Margaret's faith was what gave meaning to her life. She received Christ as her Saviour at an early age and was baptized and received into the Evangelical Mennonite Church. With her various moves, she attended and served in several churches, but her most recent home was the St. Vital Evangelical Mennonite Church. She missed the fellowship of this congregation when her health made it difficult for her to attend. Our thanks to those who kept in touch with her in the last years. Because of her gracious nature and dry sense of humour, visits with her were a joy. Margaret leaves to mourn two sisters, Catherine Giesbrecht and Wilma (Peter) Doerksen, many nephews and nieces, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents John and Anna Toews, sisters Elizabeth, Marie, Anna, Helen, Matilda and Linda, and brothers Klaas, Henry, Frank and Isaac. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Vital Evangelical Mennonite Church, 2005 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, with burial at St. Vital Cemetery. Viewing will be at the church one hour prior to the service. If desired, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 05, 2013