MARGARET JANE CRAMB (BARKER)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARGARET JANE CRAMB (nee BARKER) Margaret Cramb passed away peacefully at the Betel Home at Selkirk, MB on April 18, in her 92nd year. A loving and devoted wife and mother, she will be forever missed and cherished by John, her husband of 60 years, her daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Gordon Thompson, and her daughter, Anne Cramb. Also mourning her loss are her nephew, Doug Morrison (Ruby Durant), her niece, Carol Morrison, and many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Jessie, in 2011. Margaret was born in Stonewall on January 10, 1921, the youngest daughter of Frank and Annie Barker of Lilyfield. She grew up on the family farm alongside her older sister, Jessie, and attended nearby Phipps School for her early education. She left home at the young age of fourteen to further her studies in Winnipeg, graduating from Gordon Bell High School and the Manitoba Business College. She worked as a stenographer in business, notably at the Great West Saddlery Company, and also in the provincial civil service in the Farm Loans Department. In 1943, she chose to serve her country and entered the Royal Canadian Air Force, Women's Division, working again as a stenographer. She was stationed in Trenton, Ottawa, and Winnipeg. Following the war, she returned to her job at the Farm Loans, and then shortly after, returned to Lilyfield to keep house for her father. During this time she enjoyed attending dances with her cousins, and met John Cramb, a Stonewall area farmer. Margaret and John were married on June 22, 1951. For the next forty-eight years, they worked together on their farm, raising their two daughters, and actively participating in community life. Margaret was a member of the Grassmere United Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher and a member of the UCW. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the friends she made here, and also in the Tecumseh Women's Community Club, making many lifelong friendships. Family get-togethers were a great joy to her, especially the summer picnics with her sister's family and her Lilyfield cousins. She loved the outdoors and nature, and was an avid gardener, growing large vegetable gardens to provide for the winter ahead, and also numerous flower gardens. However, her specialty was the indoor African violet, and she won many prizes for her violets at the annual Interlake Horticultural shows. An animal lover, she dearly loved her pet cats and dogs. In 1999, Margaret and John retired from the farm, moving to Stonewall, where they enjoyed many happy years together at the Lion's Manor. The past eighteen months took a great toll on Mum's health, first with a fractured hip followed by a stroke. She spent almost a year at the Stonewall Hospital, followed by three months at the Betel Home. Many thanks to the staff at both facilities for the wonderful care that Mum received. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stonewall United Church. Interment to take place at Grassmere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Stonewall United Church, or the Arthritis Society. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2012