MARGARET WILHELMINA SMEE (CONQUERGOOD)

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MARGARET WILHELMINA SMEE
(nee CONQUERGOOD)
February 19, 1920 - May 31, 2019

With the grace and dignity with which she lived her life, Wilhelmina passed from this world on the morning of Friday, May 31, 2019.
Mom was predeceased by her devoted husband William George Smee, father Murdoch Daniel and mother Frances Catherine Conquergood (nee McKay), infant brother Thomas, brother Stewart Roswell "Ross", sisters, Flora Elizabeth Green "Florrie", Frances Murdena Kerr "Deanie", Shirley Jesslind White, and nephews, Thomas Ross Patterson and Grant Douglas Smee. Left to cherish her memory is her dear sister (Lorna) Jean Patterson, sister-in-law Daphne Smee, daughter Frances Smee (Archie Delorme), son Douglas Smee (Karen), grandchildren, Calum and Moira Smee, a large extended family, and many friends and neighbours.
On a cold February morning in 1920, after a high-speed trip into the city with the horse and cutter, Margaret Wilhelmina was born at the Winnipeg General Hospital and, in due course, brought home to a large and loving family on the farm in Lilyfield.
Wilhelmina attended Lilyfield School and completed high school at Transcona High School and Wesley College. Mom completed secretarial college and went on to work for the Department of Health in the Legislative Building. A big change for a little country girl.
In 1942, Mom responded to an ad in the Winnipeg Free Press and accepted a position in Washington, DC at the British Trade Commission. Her exceptional skills were quickly recognized, and she was assigned to work directly with Sir Louis Beale.
Upon returning home, Wilhelmina started her career in the insurance business with Johnson & Higgins Willis Faber (J&H). In 1957, a cousin arranged a blind date for Mom and, although it took Dad a while to find the farm, when he did, that was that. They were married in 1958, son Douglas came along in 1959 and daughter Frances in 1960. Mom left her day job to take on the 24/7 work of raising two incredibly cute children. Once she was pretty sure we were on the right path, she decided to return to J&H where she remained until retirement in 1985.
Mom was a unique combination of brains, beauty, humour, elegance and kindness. She loved reading and music, particularly opera. Saturday afternoon at the Opera was a staple in our house and there wasn't a crossword puzzle or cryptoquote that Mom couldn't solve - always in pen. She could parse a sentence like nobody's business and you DID NOT want to be on an opposing team for Trivial Pursuit.
And yet, you could not find a kinder soul. She was famous for her warm, embracing hugs, as well as for her droll, often hilarious, 'zingers', both delivered gently and with love.
Mom's heart was always with her family. She had close and loving relationships with her brother and sisters, as well as her large, extended family. You always knew there was going to be a 'laugh-til-you-cry good time' when the Conquergood girls got together.
After Dad passed away, Mom came back to the family farm with Frances and Archie, becoming a close family unit caring for each other and the farm. Well into her 90s, Mom could be found on the lawn tractor mowing the grass.
In 2016, Mom broke her hip but made an amazing recovery and was home from hospital in three weeks. At the end of her life, Mom resided at Brightwater Senior Living where she was loved by all she met. You couldn't help but love her, she was just that special.
On May 14, 2019, Mom broke her other hip and though we prayed for another miracle, this was not to be. On Friday morning, Mom peacefully slipped away leaving us absolutely brokenhearted.
Despite our sorrow, we are deeply thankful for having this wonderful person with us for over 99 years. She leaves a void impossible to fill but she also leaves us with the sweetest memories of a life beautifully lived with love and laughter that will live in our hearts forever.
A celebration of Wilhelmina's life will be held on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wilhelmina may be made to the Lilyfield United Church or a charity of one's choice.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

Publish Date: Jun 4, 2019

MARGARET WILHELMINA SMEE
(nee CONQUERGOOD)
February 19, 1920 - May 31, 2019

Peacefully and with grace, Wilhelmina passed from this life at Concordia Hospital the morning of Friday, May 31, 2019.
Longer obituary to follow.
Funeral arrangements pending.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

Publish Date: Jun 1, 2019

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2019, Jun 04, 2019