MARGARET MACKLING

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

• It was shortly before Margaret died that we had one of our cocktail parties on the telephone: I, in Vancouver and she, in Winnipeg. We promised we would talk at Christmas but her call did not come and my subsequent attempt at email bounced back. It was then I knew in my heart something was amiss. Today I checked the internet to learn the painful news of her death. My heart aches as memories dance in my head. She was the Director of the VON in the early 70s when I went knocking in search of a nursing postion. It was during that interview I felt I had found a kindred spirit, something which certainly proved to be true. Her standards were high and, as a result, within the office there could be found a wonderful group of people with a desire to emulate those standards in the performance of their respective positions, while also having fun. Marg was a nurse's nurse and everyone knew it. She was also a wonderful character, game for anything, as one could tell by the twinkle in her eye. She knew how to live life to the fullest and that she did with great enthusiasm She provided me with a treasure trove of memories which will be forever cherished. Here's to my valued mentor and very dear friend M3, whom I know, inspite of my tears, would want me to clink glasses and say, Cheers! Forever in my heart. - Posted by: Jill Sangster (friend ) on: Jan 26, 2013

• We were deeply saddened to hear of Margaret's passing as she was a dear friend to us as well as one of my best clients. I handled Margaret's secretarial requirements and floral orders through my concierge business services since 1991. I enjoyed updating her extensive CV that outlined her numerous community and nursing achievements and board memberships. She was one of my best clients, as she always remembered to send out flowers to her associates whenever they graduated with Masters Degrees from the U. of M. and to her family and friends especially at Christmastime. She expected and received excellence of service and always remembered to thank me with special notes signed M3. My husband had worked with her late husband, John, at Bristol Aerospace for many years and when I had the occasion to meet her and John at one of the company's Christmas parties and told her about my new business, she said she needed my personal services and became an immediate client. We shall forever miss this wonderful caring and charming lady, who never stopped working for the good of others and who always appreciated life and brought joy to everyone she met. Our deepest condolences to her family. With love and respect, Doreen & Garth Skinner. - Posted by: Doreen & Garth Skinner (Friend and client ) on: Dec 31, 2012

• I continue to shed a tear for this amazing woman, who welcomed me into her home and her gardens. Her passing and the events leading up to it, moved me so deeply. She once told me that the day she found me she had found a guardian angel, but it is I who should be blessed. I believe M3 was placed in my life for a reason and for the brief time we had, she made such an impact. We recently spoke about the circle of life just weeks before her passing. She explained how honoured she was to have so many wonderful people come into her life. She was very proud of her family but continued to mourn the passing of her sister. What a sense of humour and the kindest of hearts. PR and I will miss her. A rose and the yellow lady slipper will always remind me. - Posted by: Dana Trapp (The Gardening Hoe (her gardener)) on: Dec 22, 2012

• I first met dear Margaret many years ago at Tuxedo Dental Group, where she and her sister Mary were patients of mine. We formed a friendship that spanned over three decades. She was a fantastic, vibrant woman truly full of laughter, life and optimism. She loved shoes and I always got a kick out of her bringing in a new, very stylish pair of shoes to show me when I was cleaning her teeth. There were travels plans to share, reunions with her nursing classmates and wonderful times at Clearlake with Mary at the cottage. She was such an example of life lived to its fullest....When I visited Winnipeg the first person I would call would be M3 to book her "office" table at Rae and Jerry's for lunch. She touched everyone's life who she met and I will never forget her and her delicious chuckle. She was loved. - Posted by: Joan Cleghorn (Long time friend) on: Dec 20, 2012

• I met Mrs. Mackling when I was very young as my Father, Richard Nordrum had the privilege of working with her for many years at the V.O.N. I have very fond memories of her as a young girl, visiting my Dad at work and she always came out to say hi, invite me into her office, or give hugs and kisses. It also became a Christmas tradition that she bought my sister, Leah,and I a beautiful silver spoon from Birks every year. Which we still both treasure to this day. I have many fond memories of her and was fortunate enough to see her through out the years. My thoughts are with your family. Mrs.Mackling is one of the most remarkable people that I have had the pleasure of meeting. - Posted by: Laura G. Hanson (close family friend) on: Dec 18, 2012

• Margaret hired me to work for the VON way back in the mid 1970's. She was an excellent and amazing woman to work for. I can't count the times she would come and sit down and ask all about her nurses--always making you feel her caring. She did so much for the community and for the nursing profession. Throughout the years we have kept in touch even though I live in Seattle. Just this October, we had dinner at one of our favorite places and spent several hours talking and catching up. I am going to miss her so much -- she was an important part of my life. Bless you Margaret--rest well and know how much we love you. - Posted by: Marlene Hutchison (friend) on: Dec 18, 2012

• Margaret was my clinical instructor for community nursing in 4th year nursing. She also hired me for my first community nursing position. Margaret was generous with her warmth and her praise. She routinely hosted her students in her home for an exceptional meal at the end of clinical rotation. She asked about employees family members with caring concern. Margaret had boundless energy, balancing full time executive directorship, clinical teaching, board meetings, family and social life with apparent effortlessness. She was a fine role model for beginning nurses and a true advocate for community health. I had the pleasure of running into Margaret a few months ago after not seeing her for about 25 years. She knew me by name and gave me a big hug. I feel very honoured to have had Margaret as an instructor, employer and role model. Margaret, yours was a life well lived.....thank you. - Posted by: Jan Montgomery (Former student and employee) on: Dec 17, 2012

• Thank you for your unwavering support of home care needs of Manitoban's and the belief that "social support" is part of the "nurse's role" in the promotion of health. You were my mentor, advisor and the professional standard many nurses tried to live up to. God Bless you Mrs. M. and Thank you. - Posted by: Sonia Jablonski Praznik (Mentee, ) on: Dec 17, 2012

• Margaret, Or Mrs. Mackling as I still called her, she probably was one of the most important mentors in my nursing career. She taught me community health in my degree and then I worked at the VON. We kept in touch over the years and went to lunch. I will never forget her support and guidance. One of my favorite memories was her taking me to the Velvet Glove to celebrate when I graduated with my Masters. Rest in peace, Mrs. M, you will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Allison Murdoch-Schon (Former student and employee) on: Dec 17, 2012

• This lady had a big influence on my life. I feels so privileged to have been a part of her life. I learned a lot from Aunty Marg and she was always a kind and loving to me. I will miss our visits. - Posted by: Judith Waddell (Niece) on: Dec 14, 2012

• I worked @ V.O.N. for many years while Margaret was our CEO. She knew all the nurses and instilled a high level of professionalism in our practise. I saw her a few years ago and she never aged in my eyes. My thoughts are with her family. - Posted by: Mona T. Wall (Maxwell) (employee) on: Dec 14, 2012