MARGARET HELEN PUTNAM (SMART)

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MARGARET HELEN PUTNAM
(nee SMART)

Margaret passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2019, surrounded by her family's love.
Margaret is survived by her daughter Helen; sons, Thomas (Charmaine) and David; grandchildren, Sarah, Maggie (Mike), Robin (Graham), Tavis and Rachel; and nephew David Jackson (Marie and Robert). She was predeceased by husband Stephen Graham Putnam in 2003; sister Phyllis (Crawford Jackson); and nephew Neil.
Margaret was born on June 19, 1931, a second beloved daughter for Lydia and Thomas Smart, who had emigrated from Galashiels, Scotland to Winnipeg.
Growing up in the wonderful neighbourhood of Wolseley, it was evident from early childhood that Margaret was musically gifted, excelling in numerous voice competitions and immersing herself in theatre as a student at Gordon Bell High School. Margaret performed lead roles in productions at United College and University of Manitoba, graduating with a degree in Education and completing further training as an itinerant music teacher.
In 1954, Margaret married Steve, a geographer and pilot. The newlyweds worked and travelled in England for a year while Steve taught in a public school and Margaret took private master classes in opera, before eventually settling in River Heights. In addition to her teaching career, Margaret was an accomplished vocal soloist at Crescent Fort Rouge and Westworth United Churches, retiring from Laverendrye School in 1984. She also performed on CBC's television series Hymn Sing, and in productions of Gilbert & Sullivan and at Rainbow Stage.
As an incredibly loving and supportive parent, Margaret encouraged her children to pursue interests in academics, sports and music, and was the most delightful and nurturing of Grandmas. She included all the kids in her extended family and each one can recall precious moments in a lasting relationship with her.
Margaret enjoyed travelling with her family in North America and to European destinations with Steve, as well as sharing special times at their cottage in Ponemah.
Margaret was an avid reader of literature, history and current events, and her sociable way of sparking interesting conversation complemented her gentle nature. Margaret's generosity, kindness and talent will be fondly remembered by friends in the performing arts community and cherished by her family.
Many thanks to Beth Derraugh and Theckla Brown, the "Lunch Bunch", kind staff and residents at The Waverley and Grace Hospital.
A memorial service will be held at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor at Lanark, on Tuesday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plan International "Because I am a Girl", or a charity of your choice.

www.voyagefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 27, 2019