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MARGARET ETHEL SPENCE ALEXANDER MCRAE SPENCE
Date of Passing: Apr 17, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARGARET ETHEL SPENCE ALEXANDER MCRAE SPENCE
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Margaret Ethel Spence (1932-2024) on April 7, 2024, at the age of 91 years and Alexander McRae Spence (1931-2024) on April 17, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Margaret was born on August 26, 1932, in the village of Hallow in Worcestershire, England. After leaving school, she worked as a switchboard operator for the General Post Office in the city of Worcester. Alex was born on June 29, 1931, in the village of Strichen in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He studied joinery and carpentry at the Aberdeen Trade School. After completing his qualifications, in 1953 he enlisted in the Royal Engineers Corps to fulfil his National Service obligation.
Margaret and Alex met at a dance while he was stationed at Norton barracks near Worcester. Before long they fell in love, and in December 1955, a few months after his discharge from the army, they married at the village church in Hallow. They lived in Worcester until 1957, when they emigrated to Winnipeg. Homesickness led them back to the UK in 1960, and they remained in Worcester for six more years. By then their family had grown to include three children, and they decided that Canada would offer a bright future. Winnipeg would become their home for the rest of their lives. Alex worked for many years as a self-employed finishing carpenter before joining Woodland Supply as an estimator. Margaret worked at first for the Manitoba Telephone System, and she devoted herself entirely to home and family for many years. After those demands subsided, she worked in the Bridal Registry at the Bay on Portage Ave, where she made lasting friendships.
As much as they continued to miss family in Britain and delighted in the chances they had to visit or to welcome visitors, Margaret and Alex embraced life in Canada. They took the family on camping and fishing trips and on many day trips to share their love of nature. Together they built a cottage at Brewster Bay on Lake Winnipeg. They spent many happy hours working in their beautiful gardens at the cottage and at their home in the city.
Margaret and Alex are survived by their sons Andrew, Colin (Melody), and Stewart (Barbara); their grandchildren Kristjan (Kathleen), Freyja (Dain), Alexander Paul, Ainsley, Emily, and Alexander Stewart (Samantha); their great-grandchildren Calvin and Alice; by Margaret’s sister-in-law Maureen and Alex’s sister Kathleen; and by their nieces Sandra, Lorraine, Helen, and Sarah, and nephew James. They will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by family and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg for their compassion and skill in caring for Margaret and Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Wildlife Federation would be welcomed.
Cremation has taken place and Funeral details will follow at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2024, Apr 27, 2024
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Today is a sad reminder that one year ago we were among many of those who love you and felt the pain of losing you. I have felt that loss so many days over the past year as you are no longer there to call on the phone, wave to while working in our yards, seek your opinion, laugh over silly little things and hear your laughter. I think of you every time the sky is blue and remember how you would always look for that patch of blue even on the dullest of days. How you and Alex would be visiting nurseries around this time of year just to hold you over until you could get out into your garden. I will keep those and all the memories I have of you with the deepest respect and love. Until we meet again. With Love Manny and Gail - Posted by: Gail & Manny Smith da Costa (Neighbors who were friends) on: Apr 07, 2025
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I was thinking of you both today more than usual, for I think of you both almost daily. How I miss your company, your kindness, your sense of humour and your laugh(s). Perhaps its because your house has gone up for sale and sold. Just one more reminder of you not being there. I couldn't bring myself to look at the house for several months because I wanted to see you tending to your gardening or feeding the little chipmunk you had made friends with and knew I wouldn't. Now, someone else will be living in the house you raised your boys in and made a home. It will always be Margaret and Alex's home to me whoever lives there and whenever I pass by I will remember you both and all the happy times we shared. Gail & Manny - Posted by: Gail & Manny Smith da Costa (Neighbors who were friends) on: Nov 04, 2024
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My husband and I have been neighbours across the back lane for 30 years to Alex and Margaret. We looked forward to having our chats, talking about gardening and sharing their tips and tricks. Alex always loved to share his knowledge in carpentry. They both were quick witted and loved to tease each other. We will miss them dearly but they will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Ginette and Lucien Roy (Friend ) on: Apr 30, 2024
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Like many people of their generation, the Spences were more focussed on creating things than on consuming them. Whether it was Mrs. Spence's baking, Mr. Spence's woodworking or their lovely gardens, it was a privilege to see them take such pleasure in these activities and in their family. The Spences were good people. They will be remembered with fondness and missed terribly. - Posted by: Anne (friend) on: Apr 30, 2024
